Spaghetti Squash baby food is one of the latest fads in baby food. Not only is it a superfood, but it’s also a healthy alternative to rice or oatmeal.
Although spaghetti squash can be eaten as an entrée, it’s incredibly simple to turn it into baby food by cooking the fresh squash and then pureeing it.
What is spaghetti Squash baby food?
Spaghetti squash is a hybridized form of common winter squash, but it tastes nothing like regular spaghetti.
Rather than being deflated and baked, spaghetti squash is roasted and then pureed into a nutrient-dense smoothie for the baby. Spaghetti squash contains the same amount of nutrients as any other fruit or vegetable, and most of those nutrients are found in the skin, which must be removed before cooking.
How to make Spaghetti Squash baby food?
Ingredients
- One spaghetti squash
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar or 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup of pureed cooked squash
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract (optional)
Prepare
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2
Cut the squash in half, then scoop out the seeds and stringy part.
Step 3
Place squash halves face down on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes, then use a fork to scrape out the squash strands or “spaghetti.” You can also remove the skin with a spoon; it should slide right off once it’s cooled.
Step 4
Use a food processor or blender to puree the spaghetti squash and the water, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Step 5
Check if the texture is right by using an ice cream scooper or other spooning devices. If it’s too thick, add more water and blend again until desired texture is reached.
Step 6
Repeat the process with the remaining half of the squash, adjusting the ingredients accordingly for each batch.
Step 7
Pour finished squash into ice cube trays and freeze solid.
Step 8
To serve, remove cubes from the tray and place them in a zip-top bag. It’s best to serve frozen because they thaw very quickly. Open the bag, pour into a bowl and then stir with a fork to break up frozen cubes.
Can babies eat Spaghetti Squash baby food?
Yes, babies can eat spaghetti squash as long as you make sure to remove the skin. It’s also important to cook the squash very well to soften it and eliminate any trace of toxins.
In addition to being a superfood, spaghetti squash is also a great alternative to rice or oatmeal as a first food for your baby.
What are the Benefits of spaghetti Squash baby food?
Spaghetti squash is a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium to help keep bones strong. Vitamin A in spaghetti squash helps build a healthy immune system, and vitamin C boosts the body’s resistance to disease.
Spaghetti squash is also low in sodium and saturated fat, which makes it a good alternative for babies who are lactose intolerant or have dairy sensitivities. Spaghetti squash tastes sweet, so it is a good choice for infants who are first in being introduced to solids.
10 Ideas Of Spaghetti Squash Baby Food
1. spaghetti Squash Baby food puree
one of the easiest ways to turn spaghetti squash into baby food is by roasting it whole and then pureeing it. By doing this, you eliminate the need for any additives.
2. spaghetti Squash baby food porridge
It’s easy to turn the pureed squash into a porridge for your babe. Add more water until you achieve desired consistency. If your baby doesn’t like spice, omit the cinnamon powder.
3. spaghetti Squash Baby food pancakes
the recipe for spaghetti squash baby pancakes requires a little more effort, but it’s well worth the time. You can customize the ingredients to make them healthier or more nutritious.
4. spaghetti Squash baby food smoothie
making a smoothie out of the pureed squash will give you great consistency and only takes about 10 minutes, which is much faster than making rice cereal. The flavor of this smoothie is nice, but it does tend to be a bit on the runny side.
5. spaghetti Squash baby food sandwiches
in my personal opinion, a sandwich is not something babies would eat on their own. Although using spaghetti squash patties in a sandwich sounds healthier than using oatmeal, I don’t think it’s all that appetizing.
6. spaghetti Squash baby food parfait
as you can see from the ingredients, this recipe is pretty simple.
7. spaghetti Squash baby food lollypop
if you’re looking for a fun way to serve spaghetti squash, this recipe is lovely. You can also add some lentils or beans to the puree if you wish. The best part is that it’s super fun to watch your babe enjoy the experience.
8. spaghetti Squash Baby food pancake with pureed squash and apple sauce
as I mentioned above, pancakes are not something babies would eat independently.
9. spaghetti Squash Baby food fettuccine
I’m not sure why this recipe is called “fettuccine,” but spaghetti squash works great in pasta recipes, so I didn’t think it was too odd. It’s a fun way to serve up the puree.
10. spaghetti Squash baby food smoothie with blueberries and oatmeal
I love this recipe because it’s fun and nutritious at the same time. It’s also delicious, which makes it a winner in my book!
Conclusion
Spaghetti squash baby food is a wonderful way to introduce your baby to new textures and flavors without all of the additives that most commercial baby foods have. Spaghetti squash is a very versatile food, so there are many ways you can use it once it’s pureed.
