Pureeing peas for baby food
Pea Baby Puree (4-6+ Months/Stage 1)
This Pea Baby Puree with mint is a smooth and mild baby food puree that is perfect for your baby’s first bite! Your baby will love this green puree thanks to its fresh and earthy flavor. It’s a great stage 1 baby food for 4-6 months and up.
Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Homemade Pea Baby Food
Don’t get caught up on what you think pea baby food is going to taste like.
Store-bought brands can be thick and lumpy with a strong acidic taste of overly cooked peas. Don’t even get me started on the smell! 🤢
But this homemade pea puree is exactly the opposite! And trust me; it tastes nothing like you expect.
I’m telling you… this pea baby food is beyond delicious. It’s heavenly!
Smooth and creamy with a mild taste and a hint of minty freshness, it’s also bright and appetizing to look at.
It will actually put a smile on your and your baby’s faces! 😁
Is it your first time making homemade baby food? Then I suggest you start this journey by reading my in-depth Guide on How to Make Homemade Baby Food. The detailed guide goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and more! You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!
Pea Baby Puree Video
Watch this video to see just how easy this Pea Baby Puree is to make!
Reasons to Love this Pea Baby Puree- great baby food for 4-6+ months
- starter puree
- 3 simple ingredients
- super smooth and creamy
- delicious green puree
- easy to make — requires less than 10 minutes
- freezer-friendly
- budget-friendly
- homemade
- healthy
- organic – can easily (and cheaply) use organic peas and zucchini
- can use fresh or frozen peas
Make sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions!
- Peas: They are high in fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and are a good source of protein.
They also help promote healthy digestion and may protect against cancer. - Zucchini: While this is a 2-vegetable starter puree, zucchini allergies are very low, so I added it to this recipe to give the peas a mild taste and a smoother, creamier texture. You can completely leave it out if you prefer. Just steam the peas as directed below.
- Mint: This is an ideal herb to add to baby food because it helps soothe an upset stomach, improves digestion, can help improve mental awareness and focus, and is rich in nutrients. However, adding mint to this puree is entirely optional.
- A good source of protein
- Contains a high amount of fiber, which helps with digestion
- Contains an array of micronutrients, such as thiamine, folate, manganese, vitamins K and C
- A good source of antioxidants
Frequently Asked Questions
When can babies eat peas?
development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age.
Some of the developmental milestones babies need to reach in order to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.
Can peas be baby’s first food?
Peas can 100% be baby’s first food if you want it to be. It is recommended to wait to introduce the top eight allergen foods to your baby once a few other well-tolerated foods have been introduced, but otherwise, foods can be introduced in any order so choose whatever you are most excited for your baby to have.
Are peas a common allergen for baby?
No, peas are not a common allergen, however, as with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it.
Do peas cause constipation for babies?
No, peas are not known to cause constipation in babies, and they may actually help relieve constipation in babies due to the high fiber content that makes it easier for your baby to pass stools.
Can you use frozen peas for baby food?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peas in baby food! For this recipe, I added the frozen peas straight into the steamer basket to cook along with the zucchini. You can also freeze the peas once they are cooked and pureed.
How to Make Pea Baby Puree- Bring Water To Boil: Bring a saucepan with a little water to a boil.
- Steam Zucchini: Add chopped zucchini (optional) to a steamer basket, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.
- Steam Peas: Add the peas (fresh or frozen) and steam for another 3-5 minutes.
- Let Cool: Let it cool slightly and reserve the steamer water.
- Transfer to Blender: Transfer the cooked peas and zucchini to the blender or food processor.
- Add Mint: Add in the chopped mint or another spice.
- Puree: Puree until smooth or creamy, adding reserved water if needed to thin out the puree.
- Serve or Freeze.
- Medium Saucepan
- Steamer Basket
- Blender or Food Processor
- Freezer Tray
- Storage Containers for Fridge
- highchair
- suction bowl or baby bowl
- baby spoon
- open lid cup
- bib with catch pocket
While I love the fresh flavor of steamed peas with mint, there are several ways you can cook peas for baby food.
BEABA BabycookDoes anything sound better than a homemade baby food puree with a 15-second hands-on prep and cook time? I didn’t think so.
Let me introduce you to the magic of the BEABA Babycook! With the touch of a button, the Babycook will cook and blend the peas into a smooth and creamy baby food puree! It’s like magic. To make, place 2 cups of peas into the stainless steel steamer basket, and place the basket into the glass container, closing the lid. Fill the reservoir tank to a level 3, close and lock the lid. Hit the steam button and let the machine do its magic. Once steamed, transfer the peas into the glass container, leaving the water. Add in a pinch of fresh mint, if using. Close the lid, and hit the blend button for 1 minute or until the puree is smooth.
Full Review: read my full, in-depth and honest review of the BEABA Babycook Neo here! Make sure to grab 15% off your Babycook with code (BabyFoode15)!
SkilletIn a medium skillet, add 2 cups of frozen peas. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Puree in a blender as directed below.
Place 2 cups of peas into a medium saucepan, add enough water to cover the peas, and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Puree in a blender as directed below. Note that boiling will rid the peas of some nutrients as they are leached into the boiling water, so steaming or using a skillet is preferred. If you need liquid to thin out the puree, use some of the leftover water.
Great Pea Combination PureesWhile this pea puree is delicious and satisfying by itself, it’s also easy to mix and match with other nutrient-dense baby food purees. So give these fun flavor combos a try!
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Pears
- Quinoa Baby Cereal
- Fennel and Peaches
- Green Beans
- Chicken
- Spinach
- Soft Tofu
- Mango
- Yogurt
WeeSprout Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray
Our favorite freezer storage container for baby food! Made of 100% food-grade silicone and comes with a hard clip-on lid.
Large 3oz sections with 2oz markings to make sure you have the right amount for your baby.
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Adding SpicesWhile the most popular option is adding mint to baby food, you can also add a splash of lemon or lime juice, 1/2 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp chopped basil, 1 tsp chopped parsley, or 1/4 tsp fresh ginger.
Tip on Spices: I always add spices or herbs to my baby food purees, but you can choose to leave them out in all of your baby food. You do you! Either way, this puree will surely taste amazing.
How to Store Pea Baby FoodRefridgeratorYou can store this puree in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FreezerThis puree can be frozen for up to 4 months.
- Spoon puree into a freezer storage container. Do not overfill.
- Place the lid on the storage container or cover with a piece of saran wrap, and label with the date and recipe name.
- Place the tray into the freezer and let it freeze completely — preferably overnight.
- Pop-out the baby food cubes and place them in a ziplock baggie or stasher bag. Don’t forget to relabel the baggie or stasher bag for future reference.
Need more information on how to store your baby foods? Head over to my Best Baby Food Storage Containers – Plus 6 Tips on Freezing and Thawing post!
Feeding Tips
- Follow your baby’s lead – when feeding purees from a spoon, sometimes there’s a tendency to keep offering bites past the point of your baby being full. Always follow baby’s cues for when they are done eating. Turning away from the spoon, closing her mouth, or pushing food away are all signs that baby is finished with the meal.
- Try adding a little seasoning or spice to purees – babies like flavor! Or consider changing the temperature of purees from time to time, to slightly warmed or slightly chilled. Varying these aspects adds to the sensory experience!
- Place a small amount of puree on the tray during spoon feeding, so that your baby can dip their fingers or hands in the puree.
Allowing baby to explore foods in this way helps them learn to self-feed and can help them be more willing to try new textures and foods in the future.
Or watch a shortened version of this video here.
- 2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup zucchini, roughly chopped (optional)
- 4 mint leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
Steam: In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil over medium heat. Place the zucchini in a steamer basket, and place over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes.
Add Peas: Add in the peas, and steam for an additional 3-5 minutes. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Blend: Add the zucchini, peas and mint leaves to a blender or food processor and puree for 1 minute or until you have achieved the desired texture.
If the puree is too thick, add in 1/4 cup of the reserved steamer water until you have the right consistency.Serve: let cool and serve to your baby or freeze for a later meal.
Age: 4-6 months and up
Yield: 15 ounces
Note on Zucchini: while this is a 2 vegetable starter puree, zucchini allergies are very low, so I added it to this recipe to give the peas a mild taste and smoother texture. You can completely leave them out if you prefer. Just steam the peas as directed.
Additional Spices: instead of the mint, feel free to use a splash of lemon or lime juice, 1/2 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp chopped basil, 1 tsp chopped parsley or 1/4 tsp fresh ginger.
Storage: Fridge – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezer – can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Blender
Freezer Tray
Saucepan
Tripp Trapp High Chair
Bumkins Baby Bowl
Serving: 1ounce, Calories: 15kcal, Carbohydrates: 2.9g, Protein: 1.1g, Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 57mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1.2g, Calcium: 5mg
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Easiest Pea Puree (A Simple Side or Baby Food)
byAmy Palanjian
Updated
This post may contain affiliate links. If you shop from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
This super simple Pea Puree is so fresh and delicious. It’s an easy baby food or side dish that you can add flavor to as desired.
Plus, find ideas for other purees to combine it with, storage tips, and freezing info.
Pea Puree
Turning frozen peas into simple, fresh puree is one of the first foods I made for my kids. It’s so easy, freezes really well, and combines well with other baby foods too.
Plus, you don’t need any fancy cooking skills to pull this off—just a bag of frozen peas and a blender!
This recipe has a very straight forward method and is very quick to make. It’s perfect if you want to make a few servings of baby food at once to have on hand for the coming days or even to send to daycare.
You can also use it as a side dish for the whole family too, either plain or with some of the flavor additions.
TIP: I’m all about keeping things fuss-free when feeding babies and making vegetables for kids. Here’s a baby food chart that might help you get more ideas too.
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe you just need…peas! I use frozen peas—organic or regular, depending on what I can find at a good at my local stores.
The puree will taste best with peas that are naturally sweet and not crazy starchy, so if you have a brand you prefer eating yourself as whole peas, use that one.
(There’s a surprising variety of flavor when it comes to frozen peas!)
TIP: “Petite” peas tend to be sweeter and more tender, so if you see those, I’d recommend them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the basic process involved in making this puree. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.
- Measure out your frozen peas. (I use two cups since that’s a good amount for my blender.)
- Add to a pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Drain.
- Blend!
TIP: You can add avocado, butter, or olive oil to add healthy fats and flavor to the pea puree.
Baby Food Storage Tips
I like to use these small airtight containers from Wean Green. The serving size that is right for your baby may vary according to their age and appetite, so you may have to adjust once you see how baby likes this.
You can store this pea puree for baby in the fridge or freezer.
Best Tips for Success
- Use organic peas if desired.
- Add 2 tablespoons avocado, 1 teaspoon olive oil, or 1 teaspoon butter to add healthy fats and flavor.
- Combine with whole milk plain yogurt for a simple baby snack.
- Combine with Applesauce or Banana Puree and serve in a baby food reusable pouch.
- Use reduced sodium vegetable or chicken stock and add a little Parmesan to make this as a simple side for the whole family.
- Store in small airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Serve cold or slightly warm.
- Freeze in a silicone ice cube tray overnight. Transfer to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
- Find my best tips on freezing baby food here.
- Find easy No-Cook Baby Food Recipes here, my Broccoli Puree and easy Carrot Puree.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share!
This post was first published September 2020.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Author Amy Palanjian
Cuisine American
Course Baby Food
Calories 39kcal
Servings 6
- ▢ 2 cups frozen peas
Add the peas to a medium pot and cover with about an inch of water.
Place on the stove over high heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Drain in a colander.
Add to a blender and blend smooth, adding 1/4-½ cup water (or sodium-free broth) to create a smooth baby food puree. (Less liquid will create a thicker puree, more liquid will create a thinner one.)
Serve or store for future meals.
Vitamix Blender
Silicone Ice Cube Tray
Storage Containers
- Use organic peas if desired.
- Add 2 tablespoons avocado, 1 teaspoon olive oil, or 1 teaspoon butter to add healthy fats and flavor.
- Combine with whole milk plain yogurt for a simple baby snack.
- Combine with Applesauce or Banana Puree and serve in a baby food reusable pouch.
- Store in small airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Serve cold or slightly warm.
- Freeze in a silicone ice cube tray overnight. Transfer to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
- Use reduced sodium vegetable or chicken stock and add a little Parmesan to make this as a simple side for the whole family.
Calories: 39kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 118mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 370IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!
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How to make pea puree - Recipe with photo
Ingredients Cooking The benefits of the dish History of the dish
To diversify your daily menu, you should learn how to cook delicious pea puree with the most delicate texture.
This hearty dish is great for baby food and vegetarian diets. It can be prepared with different tastes by adding olive, sunflower or butter, vegetable roasts, spices and seasonings. A nutritious dish goes well with various meat sauces and vegetable salads. To make others delighted with the taste of an appetizing side dish, KhozOboz will tell you in detail about how to cook pea puree.
The origin of the recipe for mashed peas
This dish, familiar to many since childhood, is a derivative of mashed potatoes, which sailors learned to cook during long voyages at the beginning of the 17th century. Doctor Alexander Exkvemelin in his book "Pirates of America" describes in detail the everyday life of sea robbers who prepared mashed potatoes. To do this, they decomposed peas and potatoes with a bitter aftertaste on deck, where, under the influence of the sun, they became soft and less bitter. Then the Americans trampled the softened potatoes with their feet, peeled the skin and intensively rubbed it with their hands.
Dried peas were soaked in sea water, washed thoroughly with running water, crushed and boiled.
Based on the technology of creating this dish, the French were the first to improve the labor-intensive method of preparing pea puree. Long-term cooking of bean peas with successive addition of milk made it possible to prepare an original dish with a creamy flavor. The word "pure" in French means the adjective "pulverized". Therefore, residents of the post-Soviet space often use the common name for this dish - pea or potato crush.
Ingredients
- crushed peas - 250 g;
- filtered water - 750 ml;
- onion - 1 pc.;
- vegetable oil - 50 g;
- garlic - 3 cloves;
- curry - 5 g;
- soda - 3 g;
- salt to taste;
- greens (parsley and dill) - 2 sprigs.
Pea Puree Step by Step Recipe with Photo
- Rinse the peas and cover with 3 cups of cold water. Split peas will boil much faster than whole peas, so choose crushed legumes. Refrigerate a bowl of soaked chickpeas for 6 hours.
Soak the peas for 6 hours
- Drain the bowl.
After throwing the peas on a sieve, rinse it several times
- Pour the peas into a saucepan and cover with three glasses of warm water. Put on the stove with a slow level of fire.
Pour warm water into a saucepan with peas and place it on the stove
- Finely chop the onion for sautéing vegetables.
Chop the onion
- Pour the chopped onion into a preheated frying pan generously brushed with vegetable or olive oil.
Fry the onion until golden brown
- Finely grate the garlic.
Mince the garlic
- Serve the vegetable roast with garlic.
Pour the grated garlic into the pan
- Pour the specified amount of spicy curry.
Add curry or any other spices
- Pour the fried vegetables into the pot with the peas.
Place well fried onions and garlic in a saucepan
- To simmer the pea puree for a short time, add half a teaspoon of baking soda.
Add soda
- Salt according to personal preference. Cook over low heat for 40-50 minutes.
Add a few pinches of salt and simmer the puree over low heat
- Mix the dish well and sprinkle with fresh, finely chopped herbs. Experience the taste of an appetizing looking treat.
Bon appetit!
How to cook pea puree in different ways
This dish can be cooked in different ways and each time you will be surprised by the unique taste of pea puree. In a slow cooker and microwave, it can be cooked in minutes if you pre-soak the peas. In the summer, these cooking methods are extremely relevant, since nothing will soar in the stuffy kitchen during cooking. Regardless of the method chosen, this pea puree recipe can be used for cooking in the microwave and slow cooker.
You just need to prepare a vegetable fry in advance, in which you can add bell peppers, carrots and other vegetables.
Add toasted pieces of smoked bacon, bacon or brisket for a special flavor. The smoky flavor characteristic of smoked meats will create the feeling of cooking a delicacy on a fire. Recipes for mashed peas can consist of all sorts of additives that need to be added at the final stage: grated cream cheese, sour cream, soy or tomato sauce, butter, and many others. A hearty dish will turn out when using meat broth instead of water. Pea puree can be used to prepare various dishes: soups, oven or fried pies.
Useful properties of the dish
The low calorie content of pea puree makes it possible to use it during diets. Peas contain a lot of carotene, starch, vitamin B, C, PP, K, E and many other microelements valuable for the body. This variety of legumes is a natural protein of plant origin, which is extremely important for the full growth of the body.
Due to the many useful properties, pea puree is included in the menu of various children's educational institutions. These legumes have antioxidant properties that help slow down the aging process and improve muscle tone.
While you are learning the basics of making this delicious delicacy, KhozOboz is preparing new original dishes to replenish our virtual cookbook with proven recipes.
Similar recipes
Peas complementary foods - Encyclopedia Baby food
Viktoria Levchuk© peasPeas in complementary foods are necessary for a small child. For diversity and health. Strictly speaking, green peas are not a vegetable. It is part of the legume family, it is a plant that produces pods with seeds inside. Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peanuts are also legumes.
However, green peas are usually cooked and sold as vegetables. You can find it frozen, fresh or canned.
The nutritional value of peas is amazing considering the small size of the peas.
Did you know that one cup of peas contains more protein than a tablespoon of peanut butter, as well as calcium, vitamins A and C, and iron. These wonderful little vegetables are a great first green food for a baby as they are both nutritious and delicious.
Types of peas
Table of contents:
I know from childhood that peas can be different. There are sweet varieties that are grown for salad or just to eat, and there are varieties that are good to dry and eat in the winter.
Peas are one of the earliest crops to ripen in spring and can be used in all kinds of culinary dishes.
Peas are fairly easy to grow. The hardest part of growing peas is choosing which variety to grow. There are basically three types of peas: sugar, shelling and brain variety. There are also fodder varieties , but we will not discuss them here. Each goes by several names, which makes the choice even more confusing. But it is important for us to know their differences.
Sugar variety is the sweetest and is eaten fresh with the pod.
green peas for childrenPeeling variety is used for conservation, long-term storage, it makes delicious soup in winter. Brain peas is always canned.
Pea season from the beginning of June to July, depends on the strip of Russia. In our south, children can already buy from mid-May.
History of peas
green peasWhen exactly peas were first discovered remains a mystery, however, there are many assumptions. For example, the first appearance of the pea is thought to have been in Central Asia, especially in Burma and Thailand or Afghanistan, the eastern edge of the Mediterranean basin, and the mountain ranges and plateaus of Ethiopia.
Fossilized pea pods found in Switzerland date back to 10,000 years ago. In the 3rd century BC, Theophrastus mentions peas that were sown in the later winter. Pea cultivation is believed to have spread to India, China and Europe in the 2nd millennium BC.
Roman legionaries harvested wild peas to supplement their diet in the 1st century BC.
Peas were brought to North America by Christopher Columbus in 1942, where they were quickly adopted by Native Americans. During the Middle Ages, peas were a stable food that kept hunger at bay, and during the early modern era in Europe, unripe fresh peas were prized as a gourmet meal.
Peas became famous in Russia only in the 18th century. It was grown throughout Russia, both in the fields and in the gardens.
Green peas "walked" along the roads of Russia, because they were planted along the roads so that travelers could eat. In Russia, about 200 million cans are canned a year, probably because of the Olivier salad.
The benefits of peas
peas baby food Compared to vegetables such as carrots, peas have a higher protein level. In addition, Peas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, iron, folate, thiamine, vitamin C and manganese.
It also has high levels of vitamin K. One of the health benefits of green peas is blood sugar control.
Peas also contain a unique range of healthy phytonutrients. One of these phytonutrients, a polyphenol called coumestrol, has recently come to the fore in research to protect against stomach cancer. A study in Mexico City found that daily consumption of green peas, along with other legumes, reduced the risk of stomach cancer, especially when the daily intake of coumestrol from these legumes was approximately 2 milligrams or more. Since one cup of green peas contains at least 10 milligrams of coumestrol, it will not be difficult for us to get these wonderful health benefits.
Don't forget the unique phytonutrients in green peas that provide us with key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some researchers are now suggesting that the link between consumption of green peas and legumes and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes may be due not only to the relatively low glycemic index of green peas (around 45-50), fiber or protein in the composition, but also to unusual combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.
minerals and vitamins peas
peas for childrenGreen peas stand out as an organic food. Agricultural research has shown that planting peas can provide important benefits to the soil. First, peas belong to a category of crops called "nitrogen-fixing" crops. With the help of bacteria in the soil, peas and other crops can extract nitrogen gas from the air and convert it into more complex and usable forms. This process increases the nitrogen content of the soil without the need to add fertilizer. Peas also have a relatively shallow root system that can help prevent soil erosion, and once the peas are harvested, plant debris tends to break down relatively easily to enrich the soil. Finally, crop rotation of peas with other crops has been shown to reduce the risk of pest problems.
Complementary Peas Although Green Peas are extremely low fat foods (approximately one third of a gram of fat per cup), the type of fat and fat soluble nutrients they contain is impressive.
Recent studies have shown that green peas are a reliable source of omega-3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
About 30 mg of ALA can be found in one cup of green peas. About 130 mg of the essential omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, can also be found in a cup of green peas. This very low but high-quality fat content helps us get important fat-soluble nutrients from this legume, including significant amounts of beta-carotene and small but valuable amounts of vitamin E.
So let's not neglect green peas in summer and dry peas in winter. In the diet of children, this is a very useful product.
peas for childrenGreen peas cannot be the product of the first complementary foods, because they cause discomfort and gas. Russian pediatricians advise introducing green peas to children after 10-12 months, and American pediatricians - after 8 months.
Legumes can be given no more than 2 times a week.
Dishes from mature peas can only be given after 2 years of age in soups.
Canned peas can be given after 3 years. A portion of the first complementary foods is not more than 30-50 grams, if the child has digestive problems, then let the portion be smaller so that the body gets used to it faster.
Children under 2-3 years old can eat green peas up to 80 grams. Mature grains are given in an amount of not more than 100 grams after 3 years.
Fresh peas can be offered from 2-2.5 years old, only young sweet varieties.
Green peas are considered a hypoallergenic product, so they can be safely given to a child.
green peas complementary food
pea pureeThere is an opinion of doctors that it is better to give green peas up to 12 months, so that the body learns to digest it, because later it will be more difficult to do.
The first feeding with green peas is in the form of mashed potatoes, which are boiled until cooked and rubbed through a sieve, so it is better absorbed.
Ruth Yaron's book "Supernutrition for Your Baby" states that whole green peas are dangerous for a child under three years of age, they must be given mashed, ie.
crush with a regular fork. I usually just crush them with my fingers before giving them to a child. But we eat it instead of popcorn, so this way, I peel off the green shell, squeeze it with my fingers and give it, this is enough for a two-year-old child so that he does not choke.
Pea soup with smoked meats is best introduced to a child at the age of 5.
peas complementary food
Allergy to green peas and peas
pea soupPeas come in several varieties, but green and yellow peas are the most commonly consumed. Pea allergy exists but is not very common. In most cases, pea allergies in children are due to cross-reactivity between peas and other legumes. It is also important to cancel that green peas are considered hypoallergenic , but mature peas are already included in the middle group of allergenic products .
Children may be allergic to peas, especially if they have had an allergic reaction to other legumes.
Legumes is a family of products that includes peas, chickpeas, peanuts, beans and lentils, etc.
There is a high degree of cross-reactivity between lentils, chickpeas and peas. In addition, pea allergy can also occur due to IgE-mediated (antibody-mediated) cross-reactivity between peas and peanuts.
pea soupChildren's body can react to allergens in peas such as isoflavone reductase, globulin, glutelin, vikilin, vivilin. And most importantly, these allergens are resistant to heat and chemical treatment.
Cases of reactions to inhalation of vapors from cooking peas have been observed. Cases of allergies to boiled peas have also been reported, but no allergies to green peas have been found in these patients.
There is a chance for a child to develop an allergy to peas over a period of time, especially if the portion is too large. But before giving peas to a child, it is recommended to consult a doctor and always adhere to the 4-7 day waiting rule when peas are introduced into complementary foods or any other food in the diet.
It is better to give less than more.
Symptoms of pea allergy vary among children. Some symptoms may be mild, while others may be severe. Mild symptoms include rashes, hives, itching in the mouth, throat, lips or entire face, stomach cramps, vomiting and coughing, etc.
Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat, anaphylactic shock which can cause choking and severe breathing difficulties.
It is best to seek medical attention regardless of mild or severe allergy symptoms. Timely action will help to avoid complications, as well as help in diagnosis and treatment.
How to give green peas to children?
For the first feeding green peas should be boiled in clean water. Beat with a blender and give in the form of pea puree. Babies love bright green puree because of its sweet taste and smooth texture. Depending on how much your child eats, you can store the puree in small bags, ice cube trays, or in a zip-lock freezer bag.
Up to 2 years, it is better to give the child only in the form of baby puree. Either neat or mixed with other vegetables.
Why love pea puree?
green peas for children- Versatility: Ideal as a first bean puree for children and as an addition to a range of dishes. It is worth trying to serve peas with fish, seafood, chicken or use as a sauce.
- A sensory explosion: pea puree hits all the senses, from delicious taste, fresh aroma to bright green color.
- Quick and easy to prepare : Prepare a gentle puree in less than ten minutes.
- Available all year round : Using frozen peas means the family can enjoy this puree no matter the season.
- Freezing : frozen peas are ideal, either pureed or as peas.
How to select and store peas
Only about 5% of grown peas are sold fresh. The rest are either frozen, or canned, or dry.
When purchasing fresh green peas , we are looking for strong pods, velvety and smooth. Their color should be a lively medium green. Those whose green color is particularly light or dark, or yellow, whitish or mottled grey, should be avoided. Also, don't choose pods that are swollen, soaked in water, or have mold residue. The pods should contain peas of sufficient quantity and size so that they do not have a lot of empty space. It is enough to shake the pod to understand whether it is empty or full. All varieties of fresh peas should be stored in the refrigerator, as the heat will speed up the formation of sugar in the starch.
Unwashed peas stored in the refrigerator in a bag or unsealed container will keep for several days. Peas are not stored in a pod for a long time, so if you bought a lot, then it is better to peel them and store green peas separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.
Unlike round pea pods, sweet pea pods are flat. Choose the smaller size as they tend to be sweeter.
To check the quality of peas, just open one of them and make sure that it is fresh. They should be bright green in color, firm and plump.
Dry peas must be stored in a dry, dark place, preferably in glass. If peas are bought by weight, then we look at the peas themselves so that they are the same color, dry, without mold and dampness, without pests. You can store about 12-24 months, depending on the variety of peas.
Pesticides and peas
Peas in Russia are classified as products with a low pesticide index, apparently because they are relatively easy to grow in any of our territories, they are not whimsical, there is water and sun, they will be happy.
But in 2019, Rospotrebnadzor identified a pesticide, the herbicide 2,4-D acid, in the Mistral pea brand. Hope they fixed it.
Of course, it is better for children to buy an organic product that is grown without pesticides and nitrates.
complementary food peas
Contraindications
Peas are a difficult product to digest, which complicates the child's gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, if children suffer from colitis or enteritis, then you should refrain from the early introduction of peas into complementary foods and consult a doctor. Also, peas can increase gas formation, which will lead to abdominal pain. With frequent diarrhea or constipation, it is also not advisable to give peas in large portions. Green peas are not recommended for kidney disease. Boiled peas also contribute to an increase in uric acid in the body and the accumulation of salts. You can not this product with diseases such as cholecystitis, nephritis, kidney stones, increased blood clotting, gout and any intestinal diseases.
Suggested way of consumption
Broth with peas and rice Steaming or roasting green peas is an easy and healthy way to prepare this vegetable. Throwing peas in ice water after cooking makes for an even smoother puree for your baby! Peas are sweet and delicious, and can be added to children's meals for a nutritional boost.
Up to 1 year, green peas can only be boiled or baked in the oven, and then made into baby puree. After a year, you can cook soups or add 1/3 of green peas to mashed potatoes, you get an interesting color and taste.
The most common cooking method is traditional, when used in combination with vegetables or potatoes. Boiled peas are also often used in salads or with rice. A well-known option is cooking green peas with meat stewing method . Another alternative would be Pea Soup or Delicious Vegetable Puree. In Russia, you can also find pies with peas, pate, pancakes, cutlets, cereals, etc.
My favorite recipe for baby puree is to mix peas and other vegetables in a 1:3 ratio, about 1/3 of a pea. And add the fried onions before beating until smooth. It turns out tasty and satisfying.
Freezing peas
Peas are ideal for freezing. It does not lose taste, texture and smell. What more could you ask for? It can be frozen as green peas or boiled as a soup dressing.
I already wrote about pea soup with bacon, how I freeze it in the form of a soup base.
Children's green peas are easy to freeze. In season, green sweet peas are bought, which get rid of the pod, and the peas are washed, dried, and then frozen in special bags. About 600 grams of green peas are enough for me for the winter. I cook soups with it, I make Olivier. Honestly, I stopped buying canned peas. Boiled and put in a salad, more benefits. You can store frozen peas for about 6-12 months. Moreover, it behaves perfectly, ice rarely forms on it, especially if it is frozen correctly.
Someone likes to blanch peas for 1-2 minutes, the shelf life is longer, but I don’t have it for more than 6-8 months.
In general, I recommend frozen over canned peas and acknowledge the benefits of fresh over frozen. Therefore, it is possible to buy fresh green peas, then we buy it, there is no way, we take frozen.
Why is it better to freeze it yourself in summer? But because the stores already sell old green peas.
It is not as tender, it is suitable for soups, but not for baby food or salad. Therefore, in the summer I myself choose green peas, I am engaged in separation and freezing.
How to prepare green peas for children?
canned peasRemove green peas from their pod, rinse under running water.
Steam: Put the peas in the slow cooker or steamer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the variety of peas.
Boil: Put the peas in boiling water, cook over high heat until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Depends on the youth of the peas, the younger, the less time is needed for cooking. Ready peas are tender, it is important that the shell should not burst.
Bake: Peas are baked in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, you can add a little butter for a nice taste.
After cooking the green peas, hold them under cold running water for about 3 minutes to make the puree more tender.
Preparing puree: Put the cooked boiled peas in a blender and blend until smooth.
You can add liquids or breast milk. For children 10-12 months old, you can additionally pass pea puree through a plastic sieve.
How to prepare ripe peas for children?
cook peasMature peas must be soaked before cooking. Ideal for the night, but can be for a couple of hours. Soaking reduces the cooking time by 20-40 minutes. Then you can simply boil in water, the cooking time is up to 2 hours, depending on the degree of splitting of peas.
But I cook all legumes differently. On my site I have already written about this method, but I will repeat.
I throw soaked peas into boiling water. I put in 2 times more water. For about 1 cup of peas, 2 cups of water. And then I cook it for 5 minutes. I usually do this in the morning or at night. To forget about peas for a few hours. After 5 minutes of simmering or boiling, I wrap the pot in something warm and forget about it. Usually about 4 hours of slow cooling is enough for the peas to reach readiness. Very convenient way, economical in terms of electricity.
Finger food and green peas
Green pea pureeOnly green peas are suitable for finger food (simply because they are tastier and brighter). It is most often chosen by mothers for tweezing. It is ideal to take peas with your fingers and send them to your mouth. Up to 2-2.5 years, it is better to take boiled green peas of sweet varieties, after which you can take fresh ones.
In principle, many doctors are sure that after 12 months it is already difficult to choke on a small pea, but they still advise crushing them with a fork in order to avoid various situations with suffocation. We also crush fresh peas for the first time.
It is also important to know that if a child swallows a whole pea, then its size allows you to go out naturally in a few days.
Ready-made baby food from peas
Soup from peas Green peas are mainly found in ready-made baby food, but peas can also be found in multi-component purees. In its pure form, puree was discontinued.
