For little ones who are starting to explore new flavors, fish is a highly nutritious and easily digestible complementary food ingredient. This Batam Fish Soup recipe for babies is a savory and refreshing menu choice, rich in protein, Omega-3, vitamins, and minerals from the combination of fish and vegetables.
The texture is flexible — it can be served as a soft porridge or as finger food in the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) style.
🥣 Ingredients (for 1 meal, ±90–100 gr)
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30–40 grams of gourami fish (can be replaced with snapper/dori/tilapia)
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3 tbsp cooked white rice
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½ green tomato
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¼ red tomato
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10 grams of carrots
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5 grams of baby green beans (or other vegetables such as chayote/broccoli)
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40–50 ml chicken stock (adjust texture)
👉 Use homemade chicken broth
🌿 Aromatic Seasonings (remove before serving)
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Red onion
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Ginger
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Lime leaves
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Basil leave
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EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) for sautéing
👩🍳 How to Make
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Prepare the ingredients: Wash the fish fillets thoroughly, cut them into small pieces or mince them. Chop the carrots, green beans, and tomatoes. Chop the shallots and bruise the ginger.
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Sauté the spices: Heat unsalted butter/olive oil. Sauté the shallots and ginger until fragrant.
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Cook the vegetables: Add the green beans and stir briefly. Pour in the stock and add the lime leaves.
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Add tomatoes & carrots: Stir well and cook until vegetables start to soften.
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Add fish: Add fish, cook until fish is cooked and all ingredients are soft.
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Finishing: Add basil just before serving for a fresh aroma.
🧁 Customize Texture
Puree (6–8 months)
Discard the ginger and lime leaves. Blend roughly or mash with a fork. Add stock if the soup is too thick.
BLW (8+ months)
Make sure the fish and vegetables are very tender . Serve the fish and vegetables as finger food; a little of the sauce can be added to the rice.
🌟 Benefits of This Recipe
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Fish: Rich in high-quality protein & Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) → important for brain & nerve development.
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Baby beans: Vitamin K, C, folate & fiber → healthy digestion and strong immunity.
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Carrots: Beta-carotene → healthy eyes, optimal growth, increased immunity.
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Tomatoes: Vitamin C & lycopene → aid iron absorption & cell protection.
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Rice: The main source of energy for active babies.
❓ FAQ
1. Can this soup be stored?
Yes. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours . Heat gently before serving.
2. What if the baby is allergic to certain fish?
Replace with low-allergy fish such as snapper , dori , or use minced chicken as an alternative.
3. Can I use sea fish?
Yes, choose low-mercury fish such as snapper, mackerel or salmon in small portions.
4. What is the difference between the puree and BLW versions?
Smooth puree for early MPASI, BLW trains grasping and independent eating skills.
5. Can I add salt or baby fish sauce?
Not recommended. The natural seasoning of fish, vegetables, and spices is enough to provide flavor.
