Tamal (mashed) and queso fresco
From 6 months · 2 foods
Ingredients
How to prepare each food
Tamal (mashed)
A tamal is made from corn masa, usually steamed in a husk or leaf. For a baby, the softest plain masa works best. Prepare it without added salt, and skip lard-heavy or seasoned versions. Soft, smooth masa can be offered on a spoon or as a thick scoop. Check the fillings: many tamales contain cheese, meat, or chili that you would log separately.
Soft smooth masa by spoon, or a thick scoop the baby can squish. Mash any firm spots and remove whole corn kernels, olives, or raisins that some tamales contain.
Soft masa is easy to manage, but steamed masa can firm up as it cools and some tamales hide firm pieces like whole corn kernels, olives, or raisins. Serve it soft and warm, and remove or cut down any firm add-ins.
queso fresco
Queso fresco is a soft, mild fresh cheese that crumbles easily. The most important step is to choose one made from pasteurized milk, since fresh cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can carry harmful bacteria. Crumble it very finely over soft purees and mashed vegetables, or stir it through warm food so it softens. It is mildly salty, so keep portions small.
Finely crumbled over soft food, or stirred into warm dishes. Avoid cubes or larger chunks.
Although soft, queso fresco can be a choking risk in firm cubes or large pieces. Serve it finely crumbled or stirred into warm food.
Putting it together
Prepare each ingredient using the age guidance above, then serve them together.
Cook with Lumi
In the nappi app, Lumi joins you in the kitchen. Chat about any recipe: adapt it to what you have at home, swap an ingredient, or ask questions while you cook.
Chat with Lumi in the appSources8
- AAP - Starting Solid Foods (around 6 months)
- NHS - What to feed your baby from around 6 months
- USDA FoodData Central - Tamal (mashed) (nutrient data)
- AAP - Choking prevention guidance for infants and toddlers
- CDC - Foods that are choking hazards for infants and toddlers
- AAP - Why infant formula instead of cow's milk before 12 months
- AAP - Introducing common food allergens to your baby
- USDA FoodData Central - queso fresco (nutrient data)
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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