Annabel Karmel’s pasta shells with salmon and broccoli is a brilliant dish for introducing fish into your little one's diet.
Fish is good for a baby's brain development, so it’s important to introduce it at an early stage, and salmon - packed with omega-3 - is a great choice. This dish blends the broccoli sauce down to a smooth, creamy texture, but it still contains lots of lovely flavours like Parmesan cheese to widen your child's palette. It's ideal for toddlers, and very popular. The dish is ready in less than 25 minutes and this recipe makes four portions.
Ingredients
- 50g (2oz) salmon fillet
- 150ml (¼pt) unsalted vegetable or chicken stock
- 40g (1½oz) baby pasta shells
- Knob of butter
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp plain flour
- 100ml (3½oz) milk
- 50g (2oz) broccoli, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp crème fraiche
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp fresh dill, chopped
- ½ tsp fresh chives, chopped
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- To cook the salmon, either poach the fish in a little of the stock over a low heat for 3-4 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork, or cook in a microwave with a couple of tablespoons of stock for about 2 minutes
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain.
- To make the sauce, melt the butter in the saucepan. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until just soft. Add the flour and mix together, then blend in the remaining stock and milk. Bring to the boil. Add the broccoli and simmer, covered, for 5-6 minutes until soft.
- Whiz in a food processor until smooth. Stir in the crème fraiche, Parmesan, lemon juice, herbs and cooked salmon. Simmer for 2 minutes. Serve the drained pasta with the sauce.
Top tip for making Annabel Karmel’s pasta shells with salmon and broccoli
For older kids there's no need to blend the sauce (unless you're trying to disguise the vegetables a little) - you can just chop the onion and broccoli by hand.
You might also like...
Annabel Karmel MBE is a chef and author of over 40 cookbooks based on nutrition, and cooking for babies, children and families. With her career spanning over 25 years she has pioneered the way families feed their babies and children all the world over.
-
Baby food: Squash purée
Butternut squash purée is perfect food for growing babies-rich in minerals and vitamins, and with a sweet and mild taste. This is a super simple recipe for babies
By Jessica Dady Published
-
Annabel Karmel's apple and sultana muffins
Annabel Karmel's apple and sultana muffins are easy to make for - or even with - your little ones. Ready in just 30 minutes.
By Annabel Karmel Last updated
-
Baby food: Blueberry puree
Blueberries are packed with vitamins and are berries you can introduce early on in your baby's weaning process as they're unlikely to cause a problem
By Jessica Dady Published
-
Annabel Karmel's trio of vegetables with tomato and basil
Suitable for six months plus, this baby food by nutritional expert Annabel Karmel is made with a whole heap of veggies...
By Annabel Karmel Published
-
Annabel Karmel's cheesy carrot stars
These flavour-packed cheesy carrot stars by Annabel Karmel are perfect for introducing finger foods to your little one...
By Annabel Karmel Published
-
Steak and salsa wraps
Our steak and salsa wraps are one of those build-you-own suppers the teens in your house will love...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry’s ‘favourite’ childhood meals are surprisingly ‘normal’ and easy to recreate for family dinners
The brother's enjoyed "traditional, English food"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Paris Hilton’s expert-approved parenting rule that ‘bans’ her two kids from using one everyday item
The socialite is taking in all the expert advice she can when it comes to her parenting rules
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's exciting spring solo trip without the kids is historical for this reason – and we're pretty sure pasta devotee Prince George will be so jealous
The Prince and Princess of Wales are heading on an exciting spring solo trip without the kids
By Selina Maycock Published