How to prepare yams for baby food


Sweet Potato Puree - Healthy Little Foodies

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Sweet Potato Puree is a great first food for babies. However, this delicious puree shouldn’t be limited to babies. Store some in your freezer to add extra nutrition, flavour and texture to oatmeal, sauces or baked goods. 

HOW TO MAKE SWEET POTATO PUREE

Making homemade sweet potato puree is easy and you only need one ingredient – sweet potato! There are several ways to cook a sweet potato and all methods will work for pureeing but, in my opinion, roasting provides the best-tasting puree. 

Cooking Sweet Potato
  • RoastingRoasting sweet potatoes produces a delicious caramelised flavour, making the puree extra delicious. Preheat oven to 200C / 400F.  Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and place on a baking tray. Bake for 45 minutes or until tender, and the skin is wrinkled. Allow to cool before peeling
  • Boiling – Peel sweet potato and cut into 1.5 cm (half-inch) cubes. In a pan, bring water to a boil and add sweet potato chunks. Reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, around 15 minutes.
  • Steaming – Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1.5 cm (half-inch) cubes and steam, using a steamer, until soft.
Pureeing the Sweet Potato
  • Food Processor – This is what I always use.
  • Blender – A high-speed blender works great.
  • Stick Blender – Place the cooked potato into a large jug/pan and blend until smooth
  • Masher – Provides a chunkier puree
Thinning the Puree
  • Is your puree too thick?  You can thin with a splash of milk (you can use breast or baby milk for babies)

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEET POTATOES

The sweet potato is a healthy pantry staple, containing a good mix of nutrients and vitamins. Sweet potatoes are:

  • High in dietary fibre – Helps keep the digestive system healthy
  • An excellent source of vitamin A – Essential for growth, healthy skin and for good vision.
  • A good source of Vitamin C – Needed for growth and healing of wounds. It also helps in the absorption on iron.
  • Vitamin B6 – Helps protein metabolism 
  • PotassiumHelps the heart and muscles work better

SWEET POTATO PUREE FOR BABIES

Sweet Potato Puree can be enjoyed as it is or mixed with a range of other pureed or mashed foods. Some suggestions include….

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Carrots
  • Parsnip
  • Peas
  • Pumpkin
  • Brown Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Lentils
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Yoghurt

 

If you want to add more texture to your puree, simply mash using a masher or blend for a shorter time

OTHER GREAT USES FOR SWEET POTATO PUREE
  • Add to Oatmeal – For a warm and comforting start to the morning! Why not try these Sweet Potato Pie Oats.  
  • Use in baking – Great for adding sweetness, using as a binding agent and for adding moisture to baked goods. Use in muffins, brownies and cakes.
  • Add to risotto – Adds a different, yet tasty, touch to a risotto. This sweet potato and mushroom risotto looks amazing!
  • Use it to make pancakes and trufflesfor those kids that can’t get enough sweet potato!
  • Stir into SaucesAdd some creaminess and sweetness to a range of different sauces.
  • Mix into smoothies – Sweet Potato goes well with a range of smoothie ingredients and will make a smoothie ultra creamy.
  • Extra Smooth Pie Topping – Great for kids with textural issues. Use it to top this Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie
  • Use as an Egg Replacement in BakingLearn more in this egg substitution guide.  

HOW TO STORE SWEET POTATO PUREE

Refrigerate
  • Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Freeze
  • Spoon the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid.  (Freezing in ice cube trays allows you to defrost the small amounts when you need it.)
  • Flexible ice cube trays work best as it is easier to pop out the frozen cubes.
  • Once they’re fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place the frozen cubes into a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator.
  • Do not refreeze if puree has previously been frozen.

 

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5 from 6 votes

Sweet Potato Puree

Sweet Potato Puree is a great first food for when you start weaning your baby. However, this delicious puree shouldn't be limited just to babies. Stock some in your freezer to add extra nutrition, flavour and texture to oatmeal, sauces or baked goods.  

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

  • ▢ 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes
  • Preheat oven to 200C / 400F and line a baking tray with baking paper/foil. 

  • Wash and dry the potatoes. Using a fork, pierce the potatoes several times, on both sides.   

  • Place in the oven and roast for around 50 mins (checking after 45 mins), or until the potato is wrinkled and tender.  

  • Allow the sweet potatoes to cool for around 10 minutes, peel the potato and place the flesh in a food processor. Blend until smooth.

  1. If using large sweet potatoes, cut in half, lengthways, before roasting.
  2. The length of time needed will depend on the size and thickness of the potato. 

Nutritional information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.  

Nutrition Facts

Sweet Potato Puree

Amount Per Serving

Calories 64

% Daily Value*

Sodium 41mg2%

Potassium 253mg7%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 10690IU214%

Vitamin C 1.8mg2%

Calcium 23mg2%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course:Baby Food, Ingredient

Cuisine:Western

Keyword:Homemade Sweet Potato Puree, Sweet Potato Puree, Sweet Potato Puree for Babies

Did you make this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

Resources & Learn More

  • Australian Sweet Potatoes

 

 

Meet Amy

Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more

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Favorite Sweet Potato Baby Food (BLW & Pureed)

With one super simple cooking method, you can roast sweet potato wedges to serve one of three yummy ways—BLW style, mashed, or pureed into classic sweet potato puree. It’s the easiest way to make sweet potato baby food. (And the rest of the family can enjoy it, too!)

Sweet Potato Baby Food

Sweet potato is a perfect baby food. It’s nutritious, naturally flavorful, and cooks up nicely and softly. And no matter whether you’re starting your baby with the Baby Led Weaning style of feeding or more traditional purees, this one cooking method will work beautifully. And you can serve it to everyone at the table—big kids and grown-ups alike!

This recipe makes roasted sweet potato wedges, which you can serve as is or mash or puree them smoother with a fork. So easy.

This recipe has vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a perfect food to serve to a 6-month baby or older who’s starting on solids—or who is well-accustomed to eating.

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Ingredients You Need

To make this roasted sweet potato baby food, you just need the following ingredients.

  • Sweet potato: Look for a medium to large sweet potato with orange flesh for the best flavor. These are sometimes called “garnet yams.”
  • Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil, such as this one from California Olive Ranch. You could also use avocado oil if that’s what you have.
  • You can add salt to taste to your portion, though you’ll want to set aside a serving for your baby before adding salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this simple recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.

  1. Choose a medium to large sweet potato with orange flesh. They are sometimes called “garnet yams” at the store.
  2. Slice in half. Cut each half in half.
  3. Cut each piece in half again to make wedges that are about ½ inch thick. You can cut them horizontally, too, if you’re working with a very large sweet potato.
  4. Toss with olive oil in a bowl.
  5. Spread on a foil-lined sheet pan.
  6. Roast until soft.

TIP: You want the wedges to be about the size of one or two of your fingers, which is a good shape for BLW food for baby to self-feed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sweet potato good for babies?

It’s such a great baby food because it’s rich in nutrients and fiber, has a naturally sweet flavor, and is very soft. It’s also an affordable veggie and stores well in the kitchen in a cool, dark place around room temperature.

Can I add seasoning to this recipe?

You can add crushed rosemary or cinnamon to this recipe. If serving to adults or older kids, you can also sprinkle with salt after cooking and setting a few aside for baby. Babies under the age of 1 shouldn’t have added salt, but they can have herbs and spices (as long as they aren’t hot-spicy).

What pairs well with sweet potatoes for babies?

You can combine this puree with apple puree, pea puree, avocado puree, banana puree, bean puree, or anything that sounds appealing to you.

Can I feed my 5 month old sweet potatoes?

Babies can have sweet potatoes after they start solids, which typically happens around 6 months old.

How to Make Sweet Potato Wedges (BLW)

Once you’ve followed the recipe instructions, you’ll have roasted sweet potato wedges that are ready to serve. You can let them cool slightly and offer to your baby to hold and gnaw on. They also store well in an airtight container in the fridge to serve at future meals.

TIP: I like to leave the skin on my sweet potato wedges since it helps them hold together a little better when a baby eats them baby-led weaning style.

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

To serve the sweet potato as a thick mash, simply mash it with a fork. You can discard the skin and any pieces that don’t mash easily. If you want to make a larger batch, simply remove the skin from as many wedges as you want and mash in a bowl with a potato masher or in a food processor.

This stays on a spoon nicely, so you can preload it and hand it to baby to feed themselves.

How to Serve Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Stage 2)

When serving this sweet potato puree to a baby, you can preload the spoon, hand it to them, and let them feed themselves. If the baby is used to eating solids, they will also likely be able to pick it up with their fingers, as it’s pretty thick.

How to Make Homemade Sweet Potato Puree (Stage 1)

To turn the roasted wedges into sweet potato puree, simply mash with a fork until very smooth, adding a 1 tablespoon of water at a time to reach the desired thin consistency. It purees SO easily this way!

TIP: I love this cooking method because I can serve the roasted sweet potato wedges to my whole family, and either a wedge or some puree for the baby without much extra work.

How to Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze baby food in an ice cube tray, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for longer-term storage.

Best Tips for Success.

  • You can sprinkle with salt for babies over 1 and any adults.
  • Add crushed dried rosemary OR cinnamon for additional flavor.
  • Spread the wedges out on the baking sheet so they aren’t overlapping. This will ensure even cooking.
  • Poke a wedge with a fork or small knife at the lower end of the baking time to see if it’s very soft.
  • Learn more about the basics of baby-led weaning if you are going with that style of feeding.
  • You can combine this puree with Apple Puree, Pear Puree, Avocado Puree, Banana Puree, Bean Puree, or anything that sounds appealing to you.

Related Recipes


I’d love to hear what your family thinks of this recipe, so please chime in below to share!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Author Amy Palanjian

Cuisine American

Course side

Calories 80kcal

Servings 4

  • ▢ 1 large orange-fleshed sweet potato (or garnet yam)
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Coat with nonstick spray.

  • Wash and dry the sweet potato.

  • Cut in half, then cut lengthwise into strips. Cut each strip in half again until each is about ½ inch thick. Slice in half horizontally if the sweet potato is very long. (Each strip should be about the size of your finger.)

  • Place into a bowl and toss with the olive oil.

  • Spread onto prepared baking sheet and roast for 22-25 minutes or until soft.

  • Let cool slightly and serve as is for a BLW-style finger food.

  • To serve as a thick mash, remove skin and mash with a fork one at a time or in a larger portion in a food processor or blender.

  • To serve as a thinner sweet potato puree, mash with a fork and add 1 tablespoon warm water at a time to reach desired consistency.

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge.
  • You can sprinkle with salt for babies over 1 and any adults.
  • Add crushed dried rosemary OR cinnamon for additional flavor.
  • Spread the wedges out on the baking sheet so they aren’t overlapping. This will ensure even cooking.
  • Poke a wedge with a fork or small knife at the lower end of the baking time to see if it’s very soft.
  • Learn more about the basics of baby-led weaning here.

Calories: 80kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 31mg, Potassium: 190mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 8016IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published August 2019.

cooking recipes and age limits

› ›

Sweet potatoes or sweet potatoes are great choices for baby food. It is pleasant in taste (reminiscent of a mixture of potatoes and pumpkin or carrots with added sugar) and creamy texture (in the form of a puree), is liked by many babies and rarely causes allergies. But since this product is still a curiosity in Russia, our mothers will need explanations. So at what age can you give sweet potato to children and how to cook it properly for complementary foods? nine0003

Content

  • From what age to give
  • The composition of the product
  • Is the battery useful for children
  • Can sweet potatoes cause allergies
  • How to choose for children's nutrition
  • Subtleties of storage
  • how to prepare for primacy
  • Sweet Potato Baby Recipes
    • Smooth Sweet Potato Puree
    • Carrot and Sweet Potato Puree
    • Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
    • Sweet Potato Milk Rice Porridge
    • Sweet potato with peas and cauliflower
  • Video: how to make sweet potato for baby food

At what age to give

American parents start giving sweet potatoes to their baby, starting at six months. This is one of the first complementary foods introduced to a baby in the US after weaning.

The first sample (1 teaspoon is enough) is offered in the form of a thin, homogeneous puree. It is easily absorbed by the body of the baby. The delicate creamy texture makes it easy for the baby to swallow and digest such food. nine0003

After that, they wait three days without introducing other new foods into complementary foods. That allows you to track the negative reaction and stop feeding sweet potatoes in time.

After about 2 months, the baby can try boiled sweet potatoes, mashed with a fork or grated on a fine grater. Almost all children like its moderately sweet taste.

After a year sweet potatoes are good to combine with rice or oats to increase the nutritional value of dishes.

Can a child eat sweet potatoes raw? nine0003

Sweet potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, so the glycemic index (GI) of the product is lower (55) than that of the usual potato (from 70).

Is sweet potato good for kids

Baby likes sweet potato puree with turmeric

Sweet potatoes can bring many health benefits to a child if they are part of a child's diet. Key properties:

  1. Fights constipation. Sweet potatoes are a valuable source of fiber. 100 g of the product contains about 3 g of dietary fiber, which prevent constipation and strengthen the baby's digestive tract. nine0014
  2. Source of beta-carotene (provitamin A). This vitamin is essential for healthy vision. Its presence in the children's menu is a must and helps to improve eye health.
  3. Strengthens the immune system. Vitamins C and E in the composition increase the body's defenses, help the child fight infections.
  4. Good for the skin. Makes her look healthy and radiant.
  5. Healthy calories. Sweet potatoes contain only 0.1 g of fat at 86 kcal per 100 g. Therefore, they are among the healthy foods for babies, especially those with insufficient weight (hypotrophy). High-calorie sweet potato promotes weight gain and physical development of children. nine0014
  6. Prevents the development of anemia. Iron in the composition prevents anemia in a child with insufficient intake of a trace element with food or after severe blood loss (abdominal operations, injuries, etc.).
  7. Strengthens bones. Calcium, which is also found in sweet potatoes, is vital for the growth and development of children's musculoskeletal system.

Can sweet potatoes cause allergies

Sweet potatoes rarely cause allergic reactions in babies. That is why it is suitable for complementary foods. However, it is possible. nine0003

Signs of sweet potato allergy:

  • vomiting,
  • rash (including around the anus),
  • diarrhea,
  • bloating due to indigestion.

Vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes cause not only allergies, but also intestinal infections in the finished dish. For example, with insufficient sanitation of tubers or children's dishes.

Babies may spit out sweet potato puree when switching to solid foods for a variety of reasons. nine0003

There may be other side effects, which are usually minor and easily manageable.

Caution! With ulcerative colitis and some other serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sweet potato dishes are prohibited. Be sure to discuss the possibility of introducing sweet potatoes into complementary foods with your pediatrician.

Excessive consumption can provoke the formation of kidney stones.

How to choose baby food

The choice of food for a child's table should be taken seriously. If possible, choose organic sweet potatoes grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. nine0003

Here are a few tips to help you make your choice:

  1. Choose medium-sized tubers with firm, smooth skins. If they are not on sale, take small ones (large ones have a lot of starch).
  2. Set aside specimens that are too soft with brown spots on the skin, punctures, signs of rot, and emit an unpleasant odor.
  3. The richer the color of the potato skin (white/cream, pink, red and purple), the more valuable antioxidants the product contains. nine0014

Storage details

In this case, the refrigerator is not the right place. Sweet Potato Storage Options:

  • in a covered box in the kitchen at room temperature for up to 1 week;
  • in a cool pantry or cellar at +13-16°C - up to 2 weeks.

Sweet potato purée can be frozen in ice cube trays

Boiled sweet potato purée can be frozen in advance (a drop of lemon juice is added to prevent browning). It can be kept in the freezer for up to a year, but it is better not to use it for feeding children - during the defrosting process, bacteria quickly begin to multiply in the starchy mass. nine0003

How to cook for weaning

The first thing to do is wash the tubers thoroughly before peeling and chopping. Then remove the skin or leave (for baking) and thermally process (until soft) in one of the following ways:

  • Baking. Preheat oven to 220°C. Pierce each tuber in several places and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes. Cool and remove the skin.
  • Cooking. Peel sweet potatoes, cut, boil in clean water. nine0014
  • Pressurized (pressure cooker). Peel the sweet potato, cut into slices or cubes, place in a pressure cooker and wait for 1-2 whistles (guided by softness).
  • For a couple. Peel and cut the product, place in a double boiler and cook.
  • Microwave. Peeled potatoes cut into small slices and do in each hole. Place in the microwave and turn on the maximum power for about 10 minutes.

Puree cooked sweet potatoes with a blender, potato masher or regular fork. If necessary, add some boiled water. nine0003

Baby sweet potato recipes

Let's see what can be done with sweet potato for a child.

Smooth sweet potato puree

One-component sweet potato puree

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium sweet potato,
  • 1 cup water or vegetable stock.

Cooking method:

  1. Prepare the sweet potato using any of the available methods.
  2. Mash while still warm.
  3. Add half a glass of water or vegetable stock and beat or stir well.
  4. Add the rest of the water/broth to make a thin, smooth puree that a child can easily swallow.

Carrot and sweet potato puree

This puree has a high content of vitamin A. It is suitable for babies from 7 months old who have already become familiar with combined foods (containing two or more ingredients).

Two-component puree with carrots and sweet potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium sweet potato,
  • 1 medium carrot,
  • 1 glass of water or vegetable broth.

Method of preparation:

  1. Thoroughly washed and peeled carrots, grate, and peeled sweet potatoes cut into small pieces.
  2. Boil them together in the same water until soft.
  3. Cool and puree.

Sweet potato chicken soup

This dish contains a nutritious broth rich in protein. But it is only suitable for children who are accustomed to non-vegetarian food.

Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

  • 100 g lean chicken mince,
  • 5 cups water,
  • 1 cup boiled sweet potato.

Cooking method:

  1. Boil the minced chicken in a saucepan with a little water. Don't forget to skim off excess fat while boiling. nine0014
  2. Transfer the boiled sweet potato to a blender and add the prepared chicken broth to it.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. If the soup is too thick, add boiled water.

Rice porridge with milk and sweet potatoes

This recipe is rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent constipation. It is also a healthy dessert option for toddlers without the use of sugar.

Sweet potato rice porridge for children

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup breast, goat, coconut or cow milk.

Cooking method:

  1. Boil diced sweet potatoes and rice in a little water.
  2. 10-15 minutes after boiling (when the food is half cooked), add milk and stir.
  3. Let stand 10-15 minutes.
  4. Cool slightly to serve to a child. nine0014

Sweet potato with peas and cauliflower

Another great recipe for babies from 7 months old. The dish has absorbed the virtues of three vegetables: sweet potatoes, peas and cauliflower.

Sweet potato puree with green peas and cauliflower

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium sweet potato,
  • 1/4 cup green peas,
  • 1/2 cup cauliflower flowers, 9013 water
  • (depending on desired consistency). nine0014

How to cook:

  1. Wash, peel and dice sweet potatoes.
  2. Boil all vegetables in water.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  4. Blend with a blender until smooth.

Video: how to make sweet potatoes for baby food

Sweet potatoes also combine with other foods suitable for baby food, such as apples, pumpkin, zucchini, legumes, corn, cabbage and broccoli. nine0003

Nutritionists recommend pairing high-carbohydrate sweet potatoes with high-fiber greens (spinach, dill, and parsley). More recommendations and recipes in our Instagram. We look forward to visiting!

Parsley for children: from what age can it be given.

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Author: Yakusheva Tatyana

Sweet potato puree for children and adults based on Jamie Oliver

An alternative to mashed potatoes is a healthy, tasty, slightly sweet sweet potato puree. Sweet potatoes are highly respected by popular British chef Jamie Oliver. He often prepares a variety of sweet potato dishes: baked sweet potato and quinoa salad, cream soup, stuffed potatoes, or served as a side dish. nine0003

What is sweet potato and what does sweet potato taste like? Sweet potato has a pronounced sweet taste.

Therefore, the vegetable is often called the sweet potato. The taste of sweet potato is similar to potatoes with sugar and pumpkin, or with carrots.

Sweet potatoes for children: the first complementary food for a child

In contrast to potato tubers familiar to us from childhood, sweet potato does not belong to the nightshade family. Solanaceae, in recent times, it is customary to blame for all sins, or rather, inflammatory diseases. In fact, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and other vegetables of the same genus contain a pro-inflammatory “component” called histamine. Therefore, it is not recommended to use nightshade often. There is no such problem with sweet potatoes, histamine in sweet potatoes is 100% absent. nine0003

But it is also not recommended to go over the amount of carbohydrates, so sweet potato puree is better to alternate with other side dishes, for example: zucchini and potato puree, cauliflower puree, chickpeas and so on. Ideal combination for an adult: mashed sweet potatoes with protein and fiber, for example, with tofu, legumes, mushrooms + cabbage, spinach, kale, broccoli, chard, parsley.

Sweet potato puree is perfect for a baby from the moment the first weaning starts. First you need to give the child a little try, look at the reaction. Track not only the reaction to taste, but also a possible allergy. nine0003

The response to a new complementary food may be within 3 days. Therefore, the next product should be administered after three days.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg sweet potato,
  • Water,
  • 250 ml coconut milk (or cow),
  • 25 g butter or margarine (vegan option),
  • 3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley,
  • Salt.

If you are making sweet potato puree for a baby, then use a dairy product that is guaranteed to be free of allergies or intolerances. Usually, coconut milk, as well as goat milk, is perfectly tolerated by babies.


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