Three Nutritious Puree and Mashed Meal Ideas for Babies Starting Solids

With each of these recipe combos we have focused on building a nutritious meal right from the start of your little one's solids journey. This means each puree/mashed meal has protein, fats and carbohydrates as well as iron rich ingredients.

It is also abit of a myth that babies need bland food when they start solids, so we have tried to include some interesting flavours with the addition of citrus, herbs or spices. We have a wonderful window of opportunity when babies start eating to introduce them to a wide variety of textures and flavours before they start to get a little more selective with food.

Each of these is freezer friendly too which is so important when you are starting solids and they aren't eating much!

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Prep time: 10 minutes per meal
Cook time: 15–20 minutes per meal
Makes: 3 batch-friendly puree meals
Freezer friendly: Yes
Texture: Smooth puree through to soft mash

Age & Texture Guidance

Suitable from 6 months.

6–9 months: blend to a smooth or slightly textured puree, thinning with water or breastmilk if needed.
9–12 months: blend less for a thicker, lumpier mash to help bub progress with textures.
12 months+: serve as a chunky mash or deconstructed on the plate.

Allergens Present

Depending on the meal and optional additions:
• Peanuts (peanut butter in the satay beef)
• Tree nuts (optional almond butter)
• Sesame (optional tahini)
• Egg (optional addition to the creamy chicken)

Allergen Substitutions

• Swap nut butters or tahini for hemp seeds or olive oil if these allergens haven't been introduced yet
• Simply leave out the optional egg until it has been safely introduced

Why We Love This Recipe

• Three complete, balanced meals in one batch-cook session
• Protein, fats, carbs and iron in every meal
• Interesting flavours — no bland baby food here
• Freezer friendly for the light-eating early weeks
• Easy to adjust textures as bub progresses