17 Basic Purees

After several months of feeding my first baby, I feel like I've got a pretty good list of basic purees that helped introduce different foods and flavors.  In a desperate attempt to not get bored - because let's face it, there are a lot of meals when you have to feed this little person something but I certainly don't have the brainpower, time, or ingredients to do something fancy - I've created a go-to list of purees that are simple.  These basics will most likely be the keystones for many more meals.  Just appropriate prep the food by peeling (if necessary) and cutting into chunks.  Steam, puree by adding enough reserved cooking liquid as needed, and you're ready to go:

Watermelon Radishes

I've always had a weird aversion to radishes.  I never ate them growing up and assumed that they are just a strange, unnecessary food item.  When I started planting my own garden a few years ago with zero experience or knowledge, I found that radishes were as close to an immediate gratification plant as you get.  They can go from seed to plate in about 28 days given the right variety and conditions.  And they actually taste pretty good if you harvest them when they are young.  (A word of caution - don't try to grow a giant radish and then try to eat it - it will be peppery!)

And then I discovered watermelon radishes.  They are a light green on the outside with a beautiful dark
red to hot pink interior.  They are beautiful and delicious.  I've found that they are perfect steamed and pureed.  No need to add anything as they will be subtly sweet when prepared.  It's one of the easiest veggies to prepare:

Watermelon Radish Puree

• Rinse and peel the radish
• Chop coarsely
• Steam for 12-15 minutes
• Blend
• Serve