Beetroot and Sweet Potato Puree
By the GreenSpoon Kids kitchen
A vibrant purple-pink puree with a naturally earthy-sweet flavor. A stunning way to introduce beetroot alongside the familiar taste of sweet potato.
Beetroot and sweet potato puree is a striking deep-pink first food that is as nutritious as it is pretty. Earthy beetroot is balanced with sweet, creamy sweet potato so the flavor stays mild and the color stays gorgeous. Blended smooth and thin, it is a gentle, eye-catching way to introduce a new vegetable to a baby starting solids around 6 months, and the sweetness wins most babies over.
Ingredients(4)
- 1 small beetroot (about 100g), peeled and chopped
- 1 small sweet potato (about 150g), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup water (for steaming)
- 2-3 tablespoons breast milk, formula, or cooled boiled water
Instructions(8 steps)
- 1
Peel the beetroot (wear gloves to avoid staining) and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- 2
Peel the sweet potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- 3
Place both vegetables in a steamer basket over boiling water.
- 4
Steam for 18-20 minutes until both are completely soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- 5
Transfer to a blender, add 2 tablespoons of breast milk, formula, or water.
- 6
Blend until completely smooth with no lumps, adding more liquid as needed for a thin, runny consistency.
- 7
Cool to lukewarm before serving. Test temperature on your wrist.
- 8
Note: Beetroot will color baby's stool and urine pink — this is completely normal and harmless.
Nutritional Highlights
- -Beetroot is rich in folate and nitrates that support healthy circulation
- -Sweet potato provides beta-carotene for eye health
- -Good source of iron, potassium, and fiber
- -Naturally vibrant color with no artificial additives
Age Appropriateness
Suitable for 4-6 month olds. The sweet potato balances the earthy beetroot flavor, creating a puree most babies accept readily.
Introduction Tip
The bright color makes this fun but messy — use a bib and wipe surfaces promptly. Pink-tinted stool after eating beetroot is perfectly normal.
Why this works
Beetroot on its own is quite earthy, which can be a lot for a brand-new eater, so pairing it with naturally sweet sweet potato softens the flavor into something mild and friendly while keeping that wonderful color babies are drawn to. Both cook down soft and blend to a silky, smooth puree, perfect for a 4 to 6 month old just learning to swallow solids. Offering a variety of colors and flavors early, including less sweet ones like beetroot in gentle combinations, helps a baby get used to a wider range of tastes from the start.
Variations and swaps
- Adjust the ratio: use more sweet potato at first, then increase the beetroot as your baby accepts the flavor.
- Swap the sweet potato for butternut squash or carrot.
- Thin with breast milk, formula, or water for the youngest eaters.
- Stir a spoonful into a familiar puree your baby already likes for the first tastes.
- Leave it a little thicker as your baby gets more confident with texture.
Make ahead and storage
Keep extra covered in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days. It freezes very well in an ice cube tray for up to 1 month, so a batch goes a long way. Thaw a cube or two, reheat gently if needed, stir, and cool to lukewarm before serving. A quick heads-up: beetroot stains, so a bib and a wipe-down cloth are worth having ready.
What to serve with it
Serve it lukewarm and smooth from a soft spoon, offering a few spoonfuls and letting your baby lead. The bright color is part of the fun, so let them explore it (and expect a colorful face). Pairing it with a familiar puree can help. Keep mealtimes relaxed and unhurried.
Common questions
Can babies eat beetroot?
Yes. Cooked soft and blended smooth, beetroot is fine for babies from around 6 months and a nice way to add variety and color. Its earthy flavor is balanced here by sweet potato, which helps a new eater accept it. Introduce it as you would any new single food.
Why is my baby's diaper pink after eating this?
That is completely normal and harmless. Beetroot can tint both stool and urine pink or reddish, which can be alarming the first time but is just the natural pigment passing through. It is nothing to worry about.
When can my baby start purees like this?
Most babies are ready around 6 months, once they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. Check timing with your pediatrician, and start with small amounts of smooth, single-textured foods, introducing new ones one at a time.
How do I keep the stains under control?
Beetroot stains clothes and surfaces easily, so use a good bib (or strip your baby down for mealtime), wipe up spills quickly, and do not wear your favorite top while feeding. The mess is temporary and worth it for such a nutritious, colorful food.
Parent guide
Read our toddler feeding guides
