Quick Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe For BLW
Table of Contents
Spinach Lemon Orzo Recipe
Spinach lemon orzo is a delicious recipe using only a handful of ingredients for babies starting their journey with solid foods. Blending cooked spinach with soft and small orzo pasta provides a smooth texture suitable for little ones. The addition of a hint of lemon juice and zest not only enhances the flavour but also offers a subtle citrus twist.
This dish is a great source of iron, vitamin C, and dietary fibre, making it a healthy choice for supporting a baby's growth and development. Quick dinners are always a winner.
Remember to ensure the orzo is cooked until very soft to prevent any choking hazards for infants.
Can babies Have Orzo Pasta
Babies can be introduced to orzo pasta around the age of 6 months, once they have started on solids and shown no signs of allergies to wheat.
Orzo pasta is a good option for babies as it is small in size and easy to pick up, making it a suitable finger food for little ones who are learning to self-feed. It also provides energy through carbohydrates and can be combined with various vegetables and proteins to create a balanced meal for babies.
However, it is important to ensure that the orzo pasta is cooked well to avoid any choking hazards. Start with small portions and monitor for any adverse reactions before gradually increasing the serving size.
How To Serve Spinach To Babies
To introduce spinach to a baby, you can steam and puree it then serve it as a standalone puree or mix it with other vegetables or fruits like sweet potatoes, apples, or pears.
Another way is to finely chop cooked spinach and mix it with mashed avocado for a nutrient-packed meal. You can also incorporate spinach into soups or stews for added nutrition.
Blending spinach into smoothies with fruits like banana and mango can be a tasty way to introduce this leafy green to babies.
Lastly, incorporating spinach into homemade finger foods like vegetable patties or fritters can provide a textured option for babies who are exploring solid foods.
Ingredient information
Orzo - This is a great pasta for weaning and beyond. This recipe is such a quick idea for a family meal that everyone can enjoy. You could use a different type of pasta for this pasta dish such as penne or spaghetti, just reduce the amount of water used,
Spring onions - These onions are great for a subtle onion flavour which works so well within this recipe.
Olive oil - You could use avocado oil or an unsalted butter if you wanted to.
Garlic - You could use garlic granules or garlic powder, you will just need 2 teaspoons.
Lemon - This adds such a freshness that is so delicious in this recipe.
Baby spinach - You could use frozen spinach too, just add the frozen recipe into the pan when you add in the second round of hot water.
Butter - I have added the butter for flavour and creaminess. You could leave this out for vegan/dairy free babies.
Serving suggestion
The orzo would be great served with a protein such as grilled or slow cooked chicken or a grilled fish such as salmon or cod. Or white beans or tofu for a plant based alternative. A great way to add more nutrition and protein to baby’s diet.
You could serve with extra veggies such as broccoli, green beans or peas. Fresh herbs such as basil or sage would be a great addition too.
Other similar pasta recipes: Orzotto, Tuna pasta bake or Margherita pasta.
Storage instructions
The pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container, or you could use a container with plastic wrap to cover the pasta.
If you wanted to freeze the pasta, you will need to store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Make sure the pasta has cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container to the freezer.
To defrost the pasta leave in the fridge overnight, and make sure it has fully defrosted.
To reheat the pasta, transfer to a preheated oven on 180C or 350F and reheat on a medium-high heat.
Once the pasta has been defrosted and reheated you will not be able to re-freeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Saucepan - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Grater - Instead of using a garlic press, try a grater. They are very easy to clean and can be used to also grate nutmeg, citrus fruits, ginger and chocolate!
Recipe | Quick Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe For BLW
Quick One Pot Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe For BLW
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan add the spring onion and cook on a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and starting to brown.
- Add in the grated or crushed garlic the cooking time will be 1 minute or so.
- Add in the orzo followed by 250ml of hot water and cook for 10 minutes until all of the water has disappeared.
- Add in 200ml hot water with the spinach and stir.
- Once the spinach has wilted, use scissors to chop the spinach into smaller pieces.
- Next add the lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper and butter if using and stir and serve.
- Leave to cool before serving to your baby.
Notes
You could use rice for this recipe if you prefer to make a risotto style recipe.
You can replace the unsalted butter with a dairy free/vegan alternative if you like for dairy free/vegan babies.
You could also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the orzo to add a little plant based cheesiness.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
©The Petit Spoon
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