Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the ground pork for crumbled firm tofu, or simply omit it and use low-sodium vegetable broth for a pure veggie sauce.

Do I need to peel the Japanese eggplant?

No need! Japanese eggplant skin is very thin and softens beautifully when simmered, providing great texture and healthy fiber for toddlers.

How do I serve this to a baby under 12 months?

For babies 8 months and up, simply mash the simmered vegetables with a fork or blend the entire mixture into a smooth puree to mix with their baby porridge.

Squishy Summer Eggplant & Tomato Bowls

Dairy-Free · 8m+ & Toddlers · en

Inspired by Japanese summer harvests, this quick simmer of thin-skinned Japanese eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and ground pork turns wonderfully squishy and sweet. It’s perfect over rice or wagon-wheel pasta for little eaters learning to chew, or pureed as a savory baby sauce!

Japanese eggplants (Nasu) are naturally sweeter and less bitter than large globe eggplants, making them much more appealing to picky eaters.
Make a double batch and freeze portions in silicone trays for a quick, grab-and-go toddler lunch.