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Mashed nam wa banana (kluay nam wa bod)
6m+ · Steamed ripe nam wa banana mashed soft, the traditional first food of Thai babies
Ask a Thai grandmother about first foods and she will talk about kluay nam wa, the short, plump banana that grows in nearly every garden in Thailand. Ripe ones are steamed, which softens the slightly astringent edge, then scraped and mashed for a baby's first taste, often in the afternoon. It is sweet, creamy and needs nothing added. There are no common allergens (milk, egg, gluten, peanut, tree nuts, soya, sesame, fish). If you can't find nam wa, use a small, very ripe ordinary banana. Chef's tip: steam the banana in its skin; it keeps the flesh moist and stops it browning.
- Total time
- 13 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Baby & toddler safety
- Age: from 6 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
- 1 nam wa bananaripe, with yellow skin and a few brown spots
- 1 tbsp boiled wateror your baby's usual milk, cooled
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Wash 1 nam wa banana and cut off both tips. Steam it in its skin over boiling water for 8–10 minutes, until the skin darkens and the banana feels soft right through when gently pressed.
10 minStep 2: Let it cool a little, peel it and pull away any stringy threads.
Step 3: Mash the flesh with the back of a fork, adding 1 tbsp boiled water a little at a time, until completely smooth with no lumps. Over-ripe, black bananas are a common mistake; they taste fermented, so use one with only a few brown spots.
Step 4: Serve straight away, lukewarm or at room temperature. Mashed banana darkens quickly.
Step 5: It's best fresh. Freeze any leftover mash on the day in a small covered pot, then thaw in the fridge and use within a day; if you warm it, heat it until piping hot, stir and cool before serving.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 45 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 11 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does mashed nam wa banana (kluay nam wa bod) take?
- About 13 minutes in total: 3 minutes to prepare and 10 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 vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- 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 nam wa banana?
- Mango, same weight (in smoothies and shakes).
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