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Merluzzo e patate for babies
9m+ · Steamed hake or cod flaked into fork-mashed potato with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
In Italy, fish is part of the svezzamento (weaning) plan from early on, and merluzzo con patate schiacciate, steamed white fish with crushed potato, is the lunch many Italian grandmothers make for babies from Milan to Palermo once they move on to soft lumps at around nine months. A spoon of good extra virgin olive oil replaces butter and salt, and the result is soft, mild and comforting. It contains fish and is free of milk, egg, gluten, nuts, soya and sesame. Chef's tip: steam the fish on top of the potatoes in the same basket for the last few minutes; one pan, and the fish never dries out.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Baby & toddler safety
- Age: from 9 months+.
- Allergens: none of the common allergens found in the ingredients. Offer one new allergen at a time, in the morning, so you can watch for a reaction.
- Texture and choking: purée or mash smoothly for 6–9 months, then soft, finger-sized pieces that squash between your fingers. Cut round foods such as grapes and cherry tomatoes into quarters lengthways, never give whole nuts, and always stay with your child while they eat.
- Under 1: no honey, no added salt or stock cubes, and no added sugar.
Every child is different. If you are unsure, especially about allergies, check with your health visitor or paediatrician.
Ingredients
- 4 oz potatoa floury variety, peeled and cut into 2 cm pieces
- 2 ⅛ oz skinless hake or cod fillet
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp hot steaming waterfrom under the steamer
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Steam 4 oz potato over boiling water for 12 minutes.
12 minStep 2: Lay 2 ⅛ oz skinless hake or cod fillet on top of the potatoes and steam for 6–7 minutes more, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily and the potato is completely tender.
7 minStep 3: Flake the fish onto a plate and check every flake carefully for bones.
2 minStep 4: Crush the potato with a fork, adding 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil and a little of the 2 tbsp hot steaming water to loosen. Common mistake: blitzing the potato in a blender; it turns gluey and sticky, so mash it by hand.
1 minStep 5: Fold in the fish, keeping soft lumps. Cool until just warm before serving.
Step 6: Cool leftovers quickly, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in small portions for up to 1 month. Reheat only once, until piping hot all the way through, then cool before serving.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 95 kcal
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbs
- 12 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does merluzzo e patate for babies take?
- About 25 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of potato?
- Sweet potato, same weight (sweeter, cooks a little faster).
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