Pureeing turkey can be a nutritious and delicious first food for babies. Turkey provides protein iron zinc and other important nutrients babies need as they start solids. The key to creating a smooth, appetizing turkey puree is using the right techniques. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to choose the best turkey, cook it properly and puree it to the perfect consistency for your little one.
Choose the Right Turkey
When selecting turkey to puree, opt for ground turkey breast or thigh meat. Ground turkey is easier to puree to a smooth texture than turkey pieces with skin and bones. Dark turkey meat like thighs may have a more pronounced flavor than white breast meat. Either option will provide plenty of nutrition.
Make sure to choose fresh high-quality ground turkey without additives or seasonings. Organic, free-range or antibiotic-free turkey is ideal if it fits your budget. Check the expiration date and don’t use turkey that is past its prime.
Cook the Turkey
Cooking the turkey thoroughly before pureeing is essential for food safety. Follow these steps:
- Place the ground turkey in a skillet or saucepan with a small amount of water. Use about 1/4 cup water per pound of turkey.
- Cook the turkey over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains and the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take around 4-6 minutes.
- Drain any excess liquid from the pan and let the cooked turkey cool slightly. Adding a cooked veggie like sweet potato or carrot to simmer with the turkey infuses flavor.
Cooking the turkey with a bit of liquid keeps it moist and tender for pureeing. Be sure to cook it fully to avoid bacteria that could make baby sick.
Puree the Turkey
Once the cooked turkey has cooled slightly, you’re ready to puree it. Here’s how:
- Transfer the turkey to a food processor or blender, A food processor makes the silkiest puree
- Pulse the turkey, adding cooking liquid or breast milk/formula 1-2 tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Puree until completely smooth, with no lumps. Thin with more liquid if needed.
- For flavor and nutrition, you can puree cooked veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas or green beans and combine with the turkey.
- If the puree seems too thick, stir in additional breast milk, formula or water to thin it out. The consistency should be like a smooth yogurt.
Pureeing the turkey while still slightly warm helps it blend easily. Adding liquid gives it a smooth, spoonable texture.
Store and Serve the Turkey Puree
Once you’ve made the perfect turkey puree for your little one, follow these storage tips:
- Let the puree cool completely, then portion into an ice cube tray. Each cube is a 1-ounce serving.
- Freeze the cubes until solid, then pop them out and store in a freezer bag or container.
- Refrigerate a portion to serve within 2-3 days. Use frozen portions within 3 months.
- When ready to serve, defrost a cube in the microwave or by running it under warm water. Test the temperature before serving.
- Pair turkey with tender veggies like peas, butternut squash or sweet potatoes for balanced nutrition and flavor.
- Start with 1-2 tablespoons at a time, working up to bigger portions as baby adjusts to solids.
Storing turkey puree in the freezer makes healthy baby food available anytime. When serving, combine with veggies and fruits to expand flavors.
Common Questions About Turkey Puree
Making your own turkey puree? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
When can I introduce turkey to my baby?
Most doctors recommend starting meat around 6-8 months old when baby is ready for lumpier textures beyond smooth fruits and vegetables. Watch for readiness signs like sitting unassisted, interest in solids and ability to swallow thicker purees without pushing them out of the mouth.
Is light or dark turkey meat better?
Both light and dark turkey meat are nutritious options. Light meat is lower in fat while dark meat provides more iron, zinc and B vitamins. Feel free to use whichever you prefer based on taste, texture and nutrition.
Should I use breast milk or formula to thin the puree?
Breast milk or formula both work great for thinning a turkey puree. The milk adds extra nutrition and gives a nice creamy consistency. Water is also an option if you want to avoid adding more dairy.
How long does turkey puree last?
Properly stored, turkey puree keeps 2-3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to freeze any portions not served within 2-3 days. Defrost only what you need and use within 24 hours after thawing.
What consistency should my baby’s turkey puree be?
Aim for a smooth, pudding-like texture without lumps or chunks baby could choke on. As your little one masters swallowing purees, you can leave it a bit thicker or lumpier to challenge their skills. But start with smooth and thin, adding more liquid if needed.
Making your own turkey baby food ensures you control the ingredients. With the right techniques, you can create a nutritious turkey puree tailored to your baby’s age and stage. Follow this guide for success!
How to make it:
- Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Distribute the carrots in a steamer basket and place in the pot. Cover and steam until tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove the steamer basket from the pot and let the carrots cool
- In a large frying pan over medium- high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground turkey and ¼ cup of broth or water. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon and stirring constantly until the meat is opaque throughout and no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the turkey to a food processer or blender, reserving any meat juices remaining in the pan. Add the carrots, apricots, and ¼ cp of the reserved meat juices, adding broth if there are not enough reserved juices. Puree until smooth or until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve immediately. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
This recipe is from our Happy Family Organicâs Cookbook, for more great recipes check out the cookbook here
Always check with your childâs doctor first if you have any questions about introducing new foods and textures.
Homemade Baby Food Puree
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 1 1/2 cups
- ½ lb. Ground turkey, cooked (steamed or simmered)
- 1 cup Peeled, chopped, and steamed carrot
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup dried apricots, cut in half
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water, as needed