This no-cook baby food protein is full of plant-based goodness AND can be ready in 5 minutes. Add this Easy Bean Puree to your homemade baby food arsenal!
Bean Puree
It can be a challenge to figure out which proteins to offer to a baby, but this simple bean puree is incredibly easy to make and it’s a great source of nutrition for an early eater. We like to serve it on a spoon in the traditional way, or to spread it onto a toast finger for a baby led weaning food that baby can feed himself.
You can make this with a variety of beans, you can start with canned beans or cook beans from dry, and you can add a range of flavors.
This is one of those methods that can make feeding a baby homemade baby food so much easier.
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Baby Food Protein
There are lots of great proteins that can be introduced early to a baby, and beans rank up there for being easy to prepare and serve, and also rich in nutrients. Since this bean puree is simply made from beans, it contains protein, fiber, and assorted vitamins and minerals depending on the type of bean you prefer. And it’s super easy to freeze, so you can make a batch and have a few protein servings ready to go!
You can store this in the fridge or freezer to make the most of your baby food prep session.
Ingredients in Bean Puree
To make this easy protein-packed baby food, you just need beans. I like to make this with chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans, and white beans, though pretty much any well-cooked bean will work. You can serve it plain or add a sprinkle of spices including cinnamon and cumin.
TIP: If using canned beans, look for “BPA-free lining” and “no salt added” for baby.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full info!
- If using canned beans, rinse and drain them. This will result in the best flavor.
- Place beans into the blender along with the water.
- Blend until smooth, adding additional water as desired to create a smooth consistency.
TIP: The more water you use, the thinner the puree, so start with the lower amount and add more if needed.
How to Store Baby Food Bean Puree
You can store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight baby food container for up to 3 days. To freeze baby food, place spoonfuls into an ice cube tray. Freeze for 4-6 hour or overnight. Transfer to a freezer storage bag, date and label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in an airtight container in the fridge.
TIP: A typical serving for a 6-7 month old may be 1/2-1 frozen bean cube. An older baby may eat 1-2 cubes.
Best Tips for Success
- Try this using garbanzo beans, white beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
- If using canned beans, choose a “no salt added” variety and rinse and drain the beans before making the puree.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in an airtight container and stir before serving as some water may separate out.
- For calculating the nutrition, I use a 2 tablespoon serving, but a baby may eat less or more than that—it’s all good!
- We like to mix this as a Stage 2 baby food with Banana Puree, Broccoli Puree, Avocado Puree, or whole milk yogurt.
- See some of my favorite Baby Food Pouch recipes and my go-to No-Cook Baby Food recipes.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe, so please comment below to share your feedback!
Easy Bean Puree
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Try this using garbanzo beans, white beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
- If using canned beans, choose a “no salt added” variety and rinse and drain the beans before making the puree.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in an airtight container and stir before serving as some water may separate out.
- For calculating the nutrition, I use a 2 tablespoon serving, but a baby may eat less or more than that—it’s all good!
Nutrition
This post was first published July 2019.
