Broccoli trees
Big steamed broccoli florets with the stem left on as a handle. Soft enough to squash, quick to make, and an early way to try a less sweet vegetable.
- From
- 6 months
- Time
- 15 min
- Makes
- 2 adults and 1 baby
No top allergens
Ingredients
- 1 headbroccoliabout 300 g (10 oz), fresh or frozen
Steps
- 1Wash your hands. Rinse the broccoli under running water.
- 2Cut it into large florets, each with a long stem, so the whole 'tree' is about the length of an adult finger or longer (7–10 cm, 3–4 in). Peel the tough outer layer off thick stems.
- 3Steam the florets over a pan of simmering water for about 5 to 8 minutes, until a knife slides through the stem with no resistance. Don't add salt to the water.
- 4Squash a floret, stem included, between your thumb and finger. It should flatten easily. If you have to press hard, steam it a little longer.
- 5Let the florets cool, and check they're only just warm before serving.
How to serve it by age
6 months+
Offer one or two large soft florets. Your baby holds the stem like a handle and gnaws on the soft top. Lots of squashing and dropping is normal at first.
9 months+
Chop soft florets and stems into pieces no bigger than about 1 cm (just under ½ inch), or stir them into pasta, rice or scrambled egg once those have been introduced.
12 months+
Serve small soft florets, about 1 cm (just under ½ inch), with family meals. Soft-cooked is still safest for young toddlers.
Leftovers and the rest of the family
Storing it
Cool leftover florets quickly and keep them in a covered container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze them in small portions for 3 to 4 months. Reheat only once, until steaming hot, 165°F (74°C), then let them cool before serving. Throw away anything left in your baby's bowl. Don't leave broccoli at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it's hotter than 90°F (32°C).
For the grown-ups
Steam one big batch for everyone. Take your baby's florets out first, then add butter, lemon or a pinch of salt to the adults' portion.
Foods in this recipe
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