Tofu Baby Food Ideas And Information
Tofu baby food is packed with protein, calcium and iron. Discover the benefits of this amazing food and introduce these nutritious recipes to your baby’s diet.
What Is Tofu?
Tofu, part of the legume family, is coagulated soymilk – the method by which it is made is similar to the way that cheese is made from milk. It first appeared in China in the 2nd century BC and is now a staple food in China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea.
Isn’t Tofu Just For Vegetarians?
For some years, we in the western world have dismissed tofu either as a “faddy” food, or a vegetarian alternative to meat. But as people discover its amazing nutritional qualities, it is being used more and more and is now widely available. Long neglected as a food for babies, it is now beginning to be recognised as a real asset to an infant’s diet.
So What Are The Health Benefits Of Tofu?
Tofu is an excellent source of protein, iron, calcium, fibre and fatty acids. These elements make it the perfect choice as a nutritious food for babies and you can introduce tofu baby food to your little one from about 8 months of age.
What Are The Different Types Of Tofu Available?
Tofu comes in a variety of textures, hardnesses and flavours, but there are two basic types
- Hard/firm tofu – This has a firm texture, very similar to cheese. It is usually sold packed in tubs of water and is generally used as a “mock” meat, or in recipes needing a consistency that holds together well.
- Soft/silken tofu – This has a texture similar to custard and is usually sold in a box or in foil. It is often used for desserts, soups, smoothies and sauces.
Once opened, fresh tofu should have the sweet aroma of soy – a sour odour means it may be stale and should not be used.
You should drain any water from the pack, then blot the tofu with a paper towel before use. Any leftover tofu can be stored in the refrigerator – place it in water, in an airtight container, and it will keep for 7 days – but you MUST change the water daily.
Tofu can be frozen – however, it tends to go a bit spongy and darker in colour.
So How Can I Include Tofu In My Baby’s Diet?
NOTE: Soy is a potential allergen, so be sure to follow the four day rule as you introduce tofu, or any new food, to your baby.
Please note that tofu may not be suitable for babies with G6PD Deficiency – please see this page for more information.
One of the best things about tofu is that it has little taste of its’ own, but takes on the flavour of the food it touches – this is great news for us parents, as we can combine it with our babies’ favourite foods for a real nutritional boost!
Try blending it with cottage cheese or avocado, or creaming soft tofu with fruit for a tasty dessert. It can also be served raw, cut up into chunks, as a healthy finger food.
Now you’ve seen the benefits of including tofu in your baby’s diet, try your hand at one of these tofu baby food recipes …
Tomato Soup With Tofu
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) soy milk
5 oz (2/3 cup) silken tofu
1 tomato, diced
1/2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- In a saucepan, saute the onion in the oil over a medium heat.
- When the onion is tender, add the tomato and basil and cook for a few more minutes.
- Blend in the soy milk and heat through, stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat, blend in the tofu and allow to cool.
- Finally, put into a blender and puree until smooth.
Tasty Tofu Pasta Sauce
1/2 onion, diced
1 tbsp oil
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
6 oz (3/4 cup) firm tofu
6 oz (3/4 cup) tomato puree
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 box dried pasta shapes
- In a saucepan, saute the onion in the oil. Once softened, add the green pepper and cook for a further 3 minutes.
- Crumble the tofu into the saucepan and cook for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Drain any excess liquid, then add the tomato puree and basil.
- Cook the pasta, then top with the sauce and parsley.
- Chop finely – this recipe is suitable for babies capable of chewing soft lumps.
Tofu And Asparagus Scramble
8 oz (1 cup) medium silken tofu
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped spring onions (also known as scallions or green onions)
pinch turmeric
8 cooked asparagus spears
2 tsp chopped parsley
2 oz (1/2 cup) grated Cheddar cheese
- Remove about half the water from the tofu, by individually squeezing the chunks over the sink. Place the tofu in a bowl.
- In a frying pan, heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the spring onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
- Add the tofu. Sprinkle with turmeric and cook until golden brown, stirring constantly (about 3 mins).
- Add the cheese, asparagus and parsley and continue to cook until the cheese melts.
- Mash with a fork and serve immediately – this dish is suitable for babies capable of chewing soft lumps.
Tofu and Red Pepper Soup
1 lb red bell peppers
8 fl oz (1 cup) water
2 oz (1/4 cup) silken tofu
pinch freshly ground black pepper
- Remove the stems and seeds from the red peppers and place under a grill/broiler until the skins turn black.
- Place the peppers into a plastic food bag and leave for 10 mins. This makes it easy to remove the skins.
- Puree the skinless peppers in a blender.
- Pour the puree into a bowl and add the water, whisking until well mixed.
- Finally, add the tofu and the black pepper, slowly whisking until completely combined.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Fruity Tofu Smoothie
1 mango
1 banana
1/3 container of silken tofu
- Peel and slice the banana and mango. Place into a blender with the tofu and blend well.
- Increase the amount of tofu to thicken the consistency – ideal if you need to spoon feed this to baby as a dessert!
Homemade baby food equipment…
Homemade baby food accessories
Experiment with these tofu baby food recipes, using different fruits or vegetables to suit your baby’s preferences … and provide a happy introduction to this wonderful, versatile food.
For more tofu recipes visit …Tofu baby food for your 10-12 month baby
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