Grilled Leeks and Leek Puree: The Craziest Food I've Fed My Baby

At 6 months old, Annalyn is now old enough to start trying some really fun recipes.  My neighbor lent me this book by Annabel Karmel and it has been a great source of inspiration for new baby food recipes.  Now that Annalyn is past the "first foods,"  we can start trying some more adventurous foods.  I came across one this weekend that seemed so crazy that I just had to try it - leeks.  As in the big giant green onion-looking things. For a 6 month old baby.  Need I say more? 



you want me to eat what?

Now, in all fairness, the recipe was not for straight leek puree.  I decided to make it that way so we could experiment with different flavor combinations.  Please note, leek puree has a pretty strong flavor and I would not recommend giving it to baby alone.  

Here is a recipe for the rest of family, too, so you can all enjoy this yummy vegetable together! 

Grilled Leeks

(not for babies, but oh so yummy!)

Ingredients:

-4 to 6 leeks, white parts and some of the green parts
-olive oil, to drizzle
-salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1.  First of all, wash the leeks.  Because they grow in the ground, leeks can be very dirty, so wash thoroughly.  I usually wash initially, and again after cutting them in half. 

2.  Cut the leeks about in half, keeping the more tender green parts.  Discard the top green part.  Cut leek in half lengthwise (if you're channeling your inner grade-schooler, that's hot dog style).

3.  Line the leeks cut side up on a large baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4.  Grill the leeks until softened and outer layer begins to char, approximately 15-20 minutes.

printable recipe

And now for the crazy part...

Leek Puree

(for babies)

here goes nothin'!

if you say so, Mama



Ingredients:

-2 to 3 leeks, white and light green parts only

-1 T. unsalted butter, as long as baby has been introduced to dairy (also important that this is unsalted, especially for younger babies because their kidneys can't handle all the salt)

-water/formula/breast milk, as needed to achieve desired consistency

-other vegetable purees for mixing (some good combinations include pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, green beans, peas, potato, chicken, and beef)

Directions:

1.  Wash leeks thoroughly.  Cut just above the light green parts, keeping white and lightest green parts only.

cut a a few inches below where you cut for the grilled leeks

2.  In a small pan, melt 1 T. unsalted butter.  In the meantime, finely chop the leeks, then add to the pan.

3.  Sautee over medium heat until leeks are soft and slightly golden in color, about 10-15 minutes.

4.  Puree in blender/food processor of your choice with a little liquid until desired consistency is achieved.

the Brezza was busy steaming prunes,

but the ole MB was happy to pitch hit

5.  Serve with vegetables and/or meat of your choice, cross your fingers, and hope for the best!  (Annalyn actually really liked it!  The first night, I mixed it with butternut squash, and the next night we tried it with carrots and peas.)

butternut squash and leek baby food

carrots, peas, and leek puree

printable recipe

Yes, your mother will think you're crazy for feeding your baby leeks. 

Mine surely did. 

But she loves me anyway. 

Because that's what mamas do.

me & my mama