Peas for Babies – Benefits, Puree and Other Recipes

Are Peas a Choking Hazard for Babies?

Peas can pose a choking hazard for babies, especially if not prepared and served correctly (7). Whole peas, such as those found in canned or frozen varieties, can be challenging for babies to chew and swallow, increasing the risk of choking. To minimise this risk, it’s essential to prepare peas in a way that makes them safe for your baby to consume. This can include mashing or pureeing them to a smooth consistency or cutting them into small, manageable pieces. Additionally, always supervise your baby closely during mealtime and encourage them to chew thoroughly. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of peas while keeping your little one safe.

Peas Benefits for Babies

Contemplating why you should be adding peas to your baby’s diet? Read on to know the amazing benefits:

• It helps in building strong immunity (6).
• It lowers homocysteine levels to reduce the risk of a heart problem (4).
• It helps in getting rid of constipation by improving digestive health (5).
• Aids in managing the right weight.
• Leads to boosting of bone health.

How to Select and Store Good Quality Peas?

A study suggests that peas are not food that is significantly contaminated by pesticides. For the same reason, if you are thinking about what kind of peas to use for baby food, choosing organic over the usual is entirely your choice.

When in a supermarket, check for fresh green peas. The pods should appear green and firm with no spotting or dryness symptoms. When you touch the peas, they should feel smooth in texture. Remember to buy the medium-sized ones, as they are sweeter than the large ones.

When it comes to storing peas, remember to prepare the dish right away without much delay, as peas do not stay fresh for longer duration. You could also prefer storing the peas in a freezer, but when it comes to kids, fresh would be the best option.

How to Cook Peas for Infants?

When the question of how to make peas for infants food is in question, it is good to know that steaming or boiling peas would make a great meal. The softness and the ready-to-dissolve nature of boiled or steamed peas make it apt for your baby’s diet.

How to Make Pea Puree for Babies?

If your baby is not ready to chew solid peas, pea puree is a recommended alternative. Here’s an easy recipe for preparing pea puree for a baby.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peas
• Breast milk or pasteurised milk

How to Prepare

1. Steam the peas with some water or microwave them.
2. Strain the water from the peas.
3. Blend the peas to make a consistent paste.
4. Add milk and blend again.
5. Feed it to your baby.

Other Green Peas Recipes for Baby

Beyond traditional purees, creative pea recipes can introduce variety and excitement to mealtime. The other must-try recipes for green peas for toddlers include:

1. Creamed Peas

Combine peas with the richness of milk to give that extra dose of calcium.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peas
• ½ cup milk
• A butter cube
• 1/2 tbsp flour
• Pepper and salt

How to Prepare

1. Stir butter along with flour in a heated pan.
2. Add milk in a way that no lumps remain.
3. Add salt and pepper and stir until a thick consistency is achieved.
4. Blend the peas and add them to the prepared mixture.
5. Let the mixture cool before feeding.

2. Peas Soup

Your baby still not used to solid food? Try pea soup which is easy to digest and easy to make!

Ingredients

• 1 cup peas
• Leafy vegetables to add
• About half a finely chopped leek
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh mint leaves

How to Prepare

1. Heat oil and saute it with chopped leek.
2. Add the vegetable of your choice and bring it to a boil.
3. Add peas and the fresh mint leaves and boil until well cooked.
4. Blend the contents in a blender and strain it.
5. Serve it to your baby.

3. Chicken With Peas

A great way to add protein to your baby’s diet!

Ingredients

• 1 piece of boneless chicken breast
• ½ cup of peas
• Water
• 1 Sweet potato

How to Prepare

1. Boil chicken in a pressure cooker.
2. Add sweet potato and boil it again.
3. Add peas and cook till everything softens up.
4. Strain the water and blend the contents properly.
5. Serve the smooth paste.

4. Peas and Carrot Puree

Help develop your baby’s eyesight by combining some carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 1 cup peas
• A rosemary spring
• Pepper and salt

How to Prepare

1. Boil carrot and rosemary spring in water.
2. Add peas and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
3. Blend the mixture and strain the liquid.
4. The puree is ready to be served.

5. Peas and Rice

This rich mix of peas, rice and chicken is going to leave your baby full and content!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup brown rice
• 1 and ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup peas
• Fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper

How to Prepare

1. Boil the broth along with brown rice for about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add peas and cook till the peas get soft and the rice absorbs the liquid.
3. Add the fresh mint leaves, salt, and pepper to the mixture and let it all dissolve.
4. Serve it to your baby once cooled.

6. Pea and Avocado Puree

Treat your baby to a creamy and nutritious blend of green peas and ripe avocado, bursting with flavour and vital nutrients to support their healthy development.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas

How to Prepare

• Steam the green peas until tender.
• Combine the steamed peas and ripe avocado in a blender or food processor.
• Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of water to reach the desired consistency.
• Serve the puree to your baby immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQs

1. Can I mix peas with other foods in my baby’s diet?

Absolutely! Peas can be mixed with other foods to create tasty and nutritious meals for your baby. For balanced meals, consider combining them with fruits like pear or apple, grains like rice or quinoa, or protein sources like chicken or tofu.

2. How should I store leftover pea puree?

Leftover pea puree can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date to easily keep track of freshness, giving you peace of mind in managing your baby’s food.

3. How do I know if my baby is allergic to peas?

Signs of a pea allergy in babies may include rash, hives, swelling, vomiting, or diarrhoea shortly after consuming peas (3). If you suspect an allergy, consult your paediatrician for guidance and consider introducing peas gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions.

This was all about preparing peas for the baby and their associated benefits. Try these helpful recipes today and let your little one relish the taste while gulping down the required nutrients.

References/Resources:

1. Peas, green, raw; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170419/nutrients

2. Preparing food safely; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/weaning/safe-weaning/preparing-food-safely/

3. Taylor. S. L, Marsh. J. T, Koppelman. S. J, Kabourek. J. L, et al.; A perspective on pea allergy and pea allergens; Trends in Food Science & Technology; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224421004556; October 2021

4. Foods To Be Fortified With Folic Acid; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/1997/jun/folate/

5. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Constipation; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/eating-diet-nutrition

6. Khalid. W, Arshad. M. S, Ranjha. M. M. A. N, et al.; Functional constituents of plant-based foods boost immunity against acute and chronic disorders; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9462539/; September 2022

7. Higher choking risk foods for children under 5; Health New Zealand; https://info.health.nz/pregnancy-children/food-choking/foods-that-are-a-higher-choking-risk-for-children-under-5/

Also Read:

Corn for Babies
Cabbage for Babies
Green Beans for Infants
When to Introduce Beans to Your Baby?