Broccoli Fries

Ingredients

• 225 g broccoli stems
• 2 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• A small pinch of black pepper — optional
• 1 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp finely ground panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ lemon, zest and juice

Method

1. Prepare the broccoli stems: Slice off any tough or woody ends and peel away the tough outer skin using a vegetable peeler or small knife.
2. Cut the stems into large, finger-sized pieces that baby can easily grasp.
3. Place the broccoli pieces in a bowl and add the olive oil, garlic powder and optional pepper. Toss gently to coat.
4. Add the Parmesan and breadcrumbs and toss again until lightly coated.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
6. Place the broccoli pieces on the tray in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
7. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until completely tender. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the stems.
8. Allow to cool before serving. Add a tiny squeeze of lemon and a little zest if desired.

BLW Note

The broccoli should be soft enough to squash easily between your thumb and finger. For younger babies, don’t aim for a crispy texture — if the outside becomes crisp while the inside remains firm, cook them for a little longer at a slightly lower temperature.

Because Parmesan and breadcrumbs can contain added salt, choose low-sodium/unsalted options where possible and don’t add any extra salt.

Serve the broccoli pieces large enough for baby to grasp, rather than cutting them into small bite-sized pieces. Always supervise baby while eating and adapt the texture and shape to their developmental stage.