Beef Stew for Baby

To season or not to season, that is the question.

Some people believe that all food given to baby should taste exactly as is, with no flavour or seasoning added to it. They believe that bland food is best for babies and think additional seasoning can be overwhelming for their tastebuds.

Others believe that each food should be given separately; no mixing allowed! They believe that babies should taste and get to know each food on its own.

The truth is that there is no evidence to support either one.

The only rules to seasoning baby food are as follows:

1. No added sugars

2. No added salt

The rest is up to you. Some babies might like more seasoning. Did you know that breastmilk takes on the flavours of the food that mom eats? So the breastfed baby starts to get a taste for the table food that mom eats.

Personally, I think it’s a good idea to take a varied approach. The first time I try a new food with my baby, I prefer to allow him to taste it on its own without any seasoning. The next time, I might combine it with complementary foods. Then, I might add some seasonings that I would use when cooking that same food for the whole family. That way it’s an easier transition. It’s a three stage process. Stage three is essentially an “adult” recipe without salt. You could prepare stage three for the whole family and season with salt for the non-babies.

 Here’s a recipe that provides an example of this three stage process, using beef.

Ingredients

Stage One:

1 pound beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)

3 cups water

 

Stage Two:

1 pound beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)

2 celery ribs, sliced

6oz can tomato paste

2 carrots

4 cups water

 

Stage Three:

1 pound beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)

2 celery ribs, sliced

6oz can tomato paste

2 carrots

5 baby potatoes,cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)

1 tbsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp black pepper

4 cups water

1 cups frozen peas

Directions:

1.  Toss all ingredients except the peas into a crockpot. Cook on LOW for 10 hours or on HIGH for 6-7 hours.

If you give this recipe a go, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with #smartnutritionrecipes on Instagram!  I’d love to see your creations! Knowing someone has enjoyed one of my recipes always makes my day brighter.  

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