Butternut Squash with Miso, Cultured Ghee & Meat Stock: A Gut-Healing Superfood
One of the first foods I introduced to my daughter when we started solids was butternut squash, and over time, I found ways to supercharge it into a nutrient-dense powerhouse using ancestral food wisdom now that she’d a little bit older and can handle fermented foods with ease.
By adding organic miso paste, cultured ghee, and chicken meat stock, this simple dish becomes a gut-healing, brain-boosting, immune-strengthening meal that supports your toddler’s growth, digestion, and energy naturally.
Why This Butternut Squash Recipe is a Superfood
This recipe isn’t just about getting in veggies—it’s designed to be a complete, nourishing meal packed with everything a growing baby or toddler needs.
✔ Supports brain development with healthy fats & fat-soluble vitamins
✔ Heals & seals the gut with gelatin, glycine & beneficial probiotics
✔ Strengthens the immune system with beta-carotene, vitamin C & antimicrobial compounds
✔ Aids digestion with fiber, probiotics & prebiotics
✔ Balances blood sugar for steady energy & reduced tantrums
The Nutritional Powerhouse Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen intentionally to nourish and heal from the inside out.
Organic Miso Paste – Probiotic Power for Gut & Immune Health
Miso is a fermented soybean paste rich in live beneficial bacteria, essential minerals, and gut-healing compounds.
✔ Feeds a healthy gut microbiome – Supports digestion & helps prevent bloating, reflux, and constipation.
✔ Boosts immunity – The probiotic strains in miso naturally fight off infections.
✔ Supports brain & metabolism function – Packed with B vitamins, zinc, and manganese for energy, focus & mood regulation.
💡 Sourcing Tip: Choose organic, unpasteurized miso (like Miso Master or South River Miso) to ensure it contains live probiotics.
🚨 When to Add It: Add miso at the very end of cooking (when the food is warm but not hot!) to preserve the beneficial bacteria.
Cultured Ghee – The Ultimate Brain-Boosting Fat
Ghee is clarified butter that has been fermented, making it easier to digest while enhancing its nutrient density.
✔ Rich in healthy fats for brain development – Essential for memory, learning & stable mood.
✔ High in vitamins A, D, E, & K2 – Critical for immune function, hormone balance & strong bones.
✔ Easier to digest than butter – The lactose & casein are removed, making it ideal for babies with dairy sensitivities.
💡 Sourcing Tip: I recommend Pure Indian Foods or Ancient Organics Cultured Ghee for high-quality, grass-fed options.
🚨 When to Add It: Like miso, add cultured ghee at the very end to preserve its fat-soluble vitamins & probiotic properties.
Butternut Squash – A Toddler-Friendly Superfood
This naturally sweet veggie is a favorite first food for babies because it’s gentle on digestion and nutrient-dense.
✔ High in beta-carotene & vitamin C – Strengthens immunity & supports eye health.
✔ Loaded with fiber – Keeps digestion smooth & prevents constipation.
✔ Balances blood sugar – A slow-digesting carb that provides steady energy.
💡 Cooking Tip: Roasting or steaming enhances the natural sweetness, making it more appealing for picky eaters.
Chicken Meat Stock – Gut-Healing & Mineral-Rich
Unlike long-simmered bone broth, which can be high in histamines, meat stock is gentler on sensitive tummies and perfect for babies with eczema, reflux, or food sensitivities.
✔ Seals the gut lining – Helps with eczema, food sensitivities & allergies.
✔ Boosts mineral intake – Provides bioavailable calcium, magnesium & potassium for strong bones & hydration.
✔ Packed with gelatin & glycine – Supports digestion, sleep, and nervous system health.
💡 Where to Buy High-Quality Bones: I get all my pasture-raised bones from Grass Roots Co-op—ethically sourced, nutrient-rich & 100% pasture-raised.
🚨 How to Make Meat Stock: Grab my step-by-step guides to making meat stock here.
How to Serve This Recipe for Babies & Toddlers
Depending on your child’s stage, you can serve this gut-healing meal in different ways:
✔ For 6-9 months – Puree it smooth & spoon-feed.
✔ For 9-12 months – Mash it lightly for some texture.
✔ For 12+ months – Use it as a dip, soup base, or spread on sourdough.
💡 Storage Tip: Freeze leftovers in silicone ice cube trays for easy meal prep!
Butternut Squash + Miso, Cultured Ghee & Meat Stock Recipe
Ingredients:
✔ 1 medium butternut squash
✔ Chicken meat stock (add however much you’d like to texture liking)
✔ 1 tbsp cultured ghee
✔ 1 tsp organic, unpasteurized miso paste
✔ 1 tbsp coconut or avocado oil (for roasting)
✔ Pinch of sea salt (optional for toddlers)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cut squash in half and rub the flesh with coconut or avocado oil.
Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast for 35-45 minutes or until fork-tender.
2️⃣ Blend with Meat Stock
Scoop the flesh from the skin & add to a blender with warm (not hot) meat stock.
3️⃣ Stir in Miso & Cultured Ghee
Once slightly cooled, mix in miso & ghee to preserve probiotics & vitamins.
4️⃣ Serve Based on Baby’s Age!
✔ Thin with more stock for soup.
✔ Mash or puree for younger babies.
✔ Give in chunks or use as a dip for toddlers.
💡 Make a big batch & freeze in cubes for quick meals - add in the cultured ghee and miso after warming again on a skillet or stove top!
Meat stock, miso, and cultured ghee are powerful ancestral foods that support gut health, brain development, and immunity—all while making meals delicious & nutrient-dense.
💬 Have you tried using miso or cultured ghee in baby food? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Drop a comment below! 🥣
Want More Gut-Healing Meal Ideas?
✨ Get My Free Guide: Nutrient-Dense Toddler Meals Made Simple! ✨
📖 Includes:
✔ Easy recipes using meat stock, healthy fats & ancestral foods
✔ Meal planning tips for busy moms
✔ How to raise a toddler who loves real, savory foods