Tuscan Bean Stew

My tasty Tuscan Bean Stew makes a hearty supper for the whole family. This nourishing dish is high in protein and vegetables and is always a firm family favourite. This meal takes no time at all to prepare and is a great one to double up for freezing! It can easily be adapted for baby – just by blending to the desired consistency. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavours!

Makes 4 Adult Portions

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 red onion, finely chopped 

2 garlic cloves, thinly chopped 

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

2 parsnips, peeled and cubed

1 tbsp tomato purée

400g tin butter beans, no salt 

2 x 400g tin of tomatoes 

Salt and pepper (omit salt for baby)

1. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and herbs with a pinch of salt if using. Cook for about 10 minutes until soft. 
2. Add the parsnips and tomato purée and cook for a further 10 minutes. 
3. Next add the butter beans and tinned tomatoes, season and bring the boil then lower to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
4. Serve straight away with some crusty bread or rice. 

To freeze: 

Allow the dish to cool, portion into you pots, transfer to the fridge and then to the freezer. 

How to adapt for baby

6m+ – Getting used to new textures:

Blend the stew to the desired consistency

8m+ – As a textured purée

Offer as is or mash to make it manageable for baby.