Broccoli Pesto Sauce

Your little eater will love this recipe! This Broccoli Pesto Sauce is a super quick and delicious way to offer broccoli and other nutritional ingredients like sunflower seeds and olive oil! For little eaters who are just being introduced to pasta (6-8 months), we suggest using mini flower pasta. For more experienced eaters (8-12 months), you can pick something your littles are more comfortable with such as spaghettini or bowtie pasta!

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup of broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds (optional)
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Lemon juice to taste
• 2 cloves of garlic

Instructions: 

1. Add all of the above to your Baby Brezza 1-Step Food Maker Deluxe and press "Steam" for 20 minutes.
2. While the sauce is being steamed, cook your choice of pasta.
3. Then, press "Blend" on your food maker for 1-2 minutes or until the pesto sauce has reached a smooth consistency. Make sure the sunflower seeds are thoroughly blended!
4. Mix the sauce with your cooked pasta and add additional olive oil if required. Top with desired garnish such as olive oil, crushed black pepper, or more parmesan!

TIP: You can freeze leftover pesto sauce for a quick dinner in the future.

Enjoy!

FAQs:

What makes this broccoli pesto sauce ideal for babies?
This broccoli pesto sauce is specially crafted with babies in mind, combining nutritious broccoli with mild flavors like sunflower seeds and olive oil to create a gentle yet tasty introduction to solid foods. The recipe's adaptability for different pasta shapes makes it perfect for little eaters at various stages, from those just starting with solids using mini pasta (cooked longer to be extra soft) to more experienced munchers who might enjoy one of the many other pasta variations. The incorporation of broccoli, a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, into a familiar and beloved format like pesto ensures that your baby not only enjoys their meal but also receives the essential nutrients for their growth and development.

How can I store leftover broccoli pesto sauce in the refrigerator or freezer?
Leftover broccoli pesto sauce can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy parents. For longer storage, the sauce freezes beautifully for up to 6 months. Simply spoon the pesto into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, freeze, and then transfer the frozen cubes into a freezer bag for easy portioning. When you're ready to use, thaw the needed amount overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. This method ensures that you always have a quick, nutritious meal option for your baby at hand.

Are there any substitutions possible for sunflower seeds in the broccoli pesto sauce recipe?
Absolutely! The broccoli pesto sauce is quite versatile, and if sunflower seeds are not available or preferred, you can substitute them with other mild-tasting nuts or seeds. Pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, or even blanched almonds can work well as alternatives, providing similar textural richness and nutritional benefits. For babies with nut allergies, consider using hemp seeds or simply omitting the seeds altogether. The beauty of this broccoli pesto recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your baby's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Can I introduce this broccoli pesto sauce to my baby if they haven't tried broccoli or sunflower seeds yet?
Introducing new foods to your baby should be a gradual process, especially when it comes to common allergens like nuts. If your baby hasn't tried broccoli or the type of seeds or nuts you plan to use in the pesto, it's wise to introduce these ingredients separately and watch for any adverse reactions over a couple of days. Once you've determined that your baby doesn't have any sensitivities to these ingredients, you can confidently serve them this delicious and nutritious broccoli pesto pasta. Remember, every baby is different, so it's important to follow your pediatrician's guidance when introducing new foods.

  

Aisha is a Pakistani Canadian mother who found herself looking for ways to keep up with home cooking as a new mom of 3. She started her Instagram @baby.eatts to share simple and nutritious meals that she makes for her experienced eaters Zenya (8 years), and Aydin (6 years), and her new little eater, Amiri (6 months). With her recipes and tips, Aisha hopes to help other moms have a fun, easy, and fulfilling journey with their newest member at the dinner table.