Cozy Winter Daikon & Carrot Softies
Vegetarian / Dairy-Free · 8m+ · en
This ultra-comforting winter side dish uses gentle seasonal staples. Sweet carrots and mild daikon radish are simmered in stock until incredibly soft, making them the perfect finger food or puree base for babies and toddlers.
- If you don't have stock, water works perfectly fine; you will just rely on the ginger and sesame oil for flavor.
- Cut the veggies into matchsticks instead of cubes if your baby is still mastering the pincer grasp.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level while simmering; add a splash more water if it evaporates too quickly.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 3
- Age
- 8m+
Ingredients
Steps
Peel the daikon radish and carrot. Chop them into bite-sized ½-inch cubes or thin, finger-length sticks that are easy for your toddler to hold.
Place the chopped root vegetables in a medium saucepan. Add the fresh ginger slices and pour in the low-sodium stock (or water) until the veggies are mostly submerged.
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Turn off the heat and carefully remove the ginger slices. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the soft vegetables to a baby-friendly bowl. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and let cool before serving!
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve this to a 6-month-old baby?
Yes! For younger babies, you can mash the cooked vegetables into a smooth puree with a little bit of the cooking broth, or serve them as very soft, long spears for Baby-Led Weaning.
What should I do with the leftover cooking liquid?
Don't throw it away! The leftover broth is infused with sweet vegetable and mild ginger flavors. You can serve it as a warm sipping broth for older toddlers or use it as a base to cook rice.
Is daikon radish too spicy for babies?
Not when cooked! Raw daikon can have a peppery bite, but simmering it in stock turns it incredibly sweet, mild, and juicy, making it perfect for little palates.
What you'll need
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