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Introducing solids to babies and young toddlers is an ideal time to offer a wide range of flavors and textures. At this age children are generally more receptive to new foods, and it’s a great chance to present vegetables plainly rather than hiding them. My eight-month-old loved this dish.
Note: This meal can get quite messy, so be prepared.
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. To boost the iron content and add creaminess, I mixed mashed chickpeas into the sauce. Chickpeas and cauliflower pair nicely in both flavor and texture, making this an easy, nutritious choice.
Watch the step-by-step tutorial below.
When using canned beans for babies, look for “no-salt-added” or check the ingredient list. It’s best to avoid added salt for infants under one year. I often use Eden Foods organic no-salt-added canned chickpeas.
Curried Chickpea Cauliflower
Baby-led weaning recipe. Suitable from approximately 8 months old when your baby can handle soft, easily mashed textures.
baby food
Indian
Ingredients
-
1
head of cauliflower -
7.5
oz
(half of a) can chickpeas
rinsed and drained -
2
tbsp
olive oil -
2
tsp
curry powder -
1/2
tsp
ground turmeric -
2/3
cup
unsweetened coconut yogurt
Instructions
-
Cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse thoroughly.
-
Place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 18–20 minutes, until very soft.
-
While the cauliflower steams, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan. Stir in the curry powder and turmeric to toast briefly.
-
Add the chickpeas to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes to warm through and pick up the spices.
-
Remove the pan from the heat and mash the chickpeas with a fork until mostly broken down but still slightly textured.
-
Stir the coconut yogurt into the mashed chickpeas until smooth and combined.
-
Gently fold the steamed cauliflower into the chickpea mixture, combining well so the cauliflower is coated in the curried sauce. Serve warm, and adjust texture as needed for your child.
Mango Chia Lassi
A baby-friendly mango lassi thickened with chia seeds for scoopable texture. Suitable from around 6 months, depending on individual readiness.
baby food
Indian
Ingredients
-
1
ripe mango -
1
tbsp
chia seeds -
1/2
cup
unsweetened coconut yogurt
Instructions
-
Combine the mango, chia seeds, and coconut yogurt in a blender and puree until smooth. Chill briefly if desired so the chia softens and thickens the mixture to a scoopable consistency.