Yam and sweet potato are combined to make this nutritious pottage which can be introduced to babies as a purée from 6 months or given to older babies who are able to chew their food on their own.
I believe it is better and wiser to introduce babies to chewing at an early stage, so that they don’t get too used to only puréed food. So, at 8-9 months, rather than purée baby’s food, why don’t you mash it a bit with a fork and leave lots of chunks for the little munchkin to chew on…they have no teeth but their gums are harder than you think. It is equally a good exercise for them and helps their development.
So, as we make purées to start weaning process, we should endeavour to progress babies to using their teeth (more of their gums at the moment), so that they ease in effortlessly to enjoying family meals.
Yam, Sweet Potato and Chicken Combo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 of a slice or small slice of yam (cut into small cubes)
- Equal size of sweet potato (cut into small cubes)
- Shredded Chicken (about a handful)
- 1 small tomato (chopped into small cubes)
- 1 small onion (finely sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (cut into small cubes)
- 4 stalks of green beans (finely sliced)
- 1 clove of garlic (crushed or chopped finely)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- Chicken stock for cooking
- A little pinch of salt or seasoning cube (this is optional especially if making purée for baby) Salt is advised not to be added to baby food and I agree personally to an extent…a little pinch can’t be too bad.
Method:
- Place all the ingredients except the green beans in a pot and put on fire. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or till the yam and potatoes are softened enough for baby to chew.
- Add the green beans and simmer for about 2 minutes. Ensure there is enough stock in the pottage and add more if needed.
- Put down and serve or purée in a hand blender.
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maryam says
Hiya,made this but with plantain instead of potatoes,it was yum!i always check your blog when I’m stuck on what to prepare and you are always on point with your recipes because you don’t make it difficult,the ingredients are usually what we already have in our kitchen. kudos to you and more grease to your elbow.
Chioma says
Many thanks Maryam for your feedback. I will always strive to use basic ingredients.
Nma says
My one year old has no teeth yet and am stuck with blending all his food. ?
Chioma says
No Nma, those gums are far stronger than your own teeth seriously. I would say you should stop blending and rather mash chunkily with a fork, so that he can have some lumps to chew on.
joy says
Mummy chi please after pureeing these foods can she use feeding bottle to eat it?.
Chioma says
I wouldn’t advise that Joy. One, you are weaning baby to start eating solids and using a feeding bottle will send the wrong message. Two, it is not good for her teeth. I know it can be frustrating initially but have patience and feed her with the spoon please.
joy says
Tnx mummy chi, God bless u. You don’t know how much help u ve been to me. Really grateful.
Chioma says
You are very welcome Joy. God bless you too.
May Agoha says
Hi Chioma, I want to prepare the puree version of this recipe but I’m not sure if my baby is too young to eat yam. He’s 7 months +. For most of his food I usually use potatoes, plantain, oats, brown rice, etc. Just decided to switch it up a bit and I knew you’d have something ;). Pls let me know if he’s old enough to enjoy this.
Thanks.
Chioma says
May, of course he can. Just mash it up as you do the others so that he can chew.
Nisha says
My baby loves it. Thanks alot for the sharing
Helen says
Thanks mummy Chi for all of these recipes please how many times should I feed baby in a day?
Chioma says
Thank you so much Helen. The baby weaning guide has all the information you need to know about this.