Squishy-Squashy Daikon & Tofu Cubes
Vegetarian · 8m+ · en
This gentle Japanese simmered dish (Nimono) turns winter daikon radishes into sweet, melt-in-the-mouth cubes. Paired with carrots and soft tofu in a mild dashi broth, it's the perfect easy-to-chew dinner for babies practicing self-feeding or toddlers needing a comforting meal.
- Offer a pre-loaded spoon or let older babies practice their pincer grasp with the soft cubes.
- Serve alongside soft steamed rice or baby-friendly udon noodles for a complete meal.
- If your daikon still has a slight bite, simply simmer it for an extra 5-10 minutes until mushy.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 3
- Age
- 8m+
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
Peel the daikon radish thickly to remove the fibrous outer layer. Cut the daikon and carrots into small 1.5 cm (½-inch) cubes so they are easy for little fingers to grab.
In a small saucepan, bring the low-sodium dashi stock to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add the daikon, carrots, soy sauce, and a tiny pinch of sugar.
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check with a fork to ensure the vegetables are becoming very tender.
Gently fold in the tofu cubes and simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until everything is warmed through and the daikon can be easily mashed between your fingers.
Remove from heat and let it cool to a safe, lukewarm temperature. Serve the soft veggies and tofu as finger food, or offer the warm broth in a small cup.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular radishes instead of daikon?
While you can use other radishes, white daikon is much milder and sweeter, especially when grown in winter. It also becomes incredibly soft and less peppery than small red radishes.
Is dashi safe for babies?
Yes! Homemade kombu or bonito dashi is excellent. If using store-bought powder, look for salt-free or baby-specific dashi to keep sodium levels strictly low.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, testing the temperature before serving.
What you'll need
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