Mashed Carrot
A simple, nutritious mash of sweet carrots tempered with fragrant cumin seeds and rich ghee. Perfectly smooth and easy for toddlers to eat, this is a gentle introduction to Indian flavors.
For 2 servings
Prepare the carrots.
Wash, peel, and roughly chop the carrots. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Cook the carrots until tender.
Place the chopped carrots in a small pot with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are very soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
TIPYou can also steam the carrots in a steamer basket or pressure cook for 1-2 whistles to retain more nutrients.Mash the carrots.
Drain the cooked carrots, reserving a little of the cooking water. Mash the carrots thoroughly with a fork or a potato masher until you get a smooth, lump-free consistency suitable for your toddler. Add a splash of the reserved water if the mash is too thick.
Make the cumin tempering.
- Heat the ghee in a small pan or tadka pan over medium heat.
- Once the ghee is warm, add the cumin seeds.
- Let the seeds sizzle and become fragrant for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn them.
TIPThis gentle tempering adds a lovely aroma and aids digestion, a common practice in Indian baby food.Combine and serve.
Pour the hot ghee and cumin tempering over the mashed carrots. Add a pinch of salt if using. Mix everything together well.
Serve the mashed carrot.
Allow the mash to cool to a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving to your toddler.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can blend the carrots in a small blender instead of mashing.
- 2Ensure carrots are cooked until very soft to create a smooth, easy-to-swallow mash.
- 3For babies just starting solids, you can skip the salt and cumin tempering, and just mix in a drop of ghee.
- 4Always perform a temperature check on your wrist before feeding your child.
- 5Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, crucial for good vision and a strong immune system. Ghee provides healthy fats needed for brain development, and cumin aids digestion.
