Falafel & Hummus for Baby Led Weaning

By Aileen Cox Blundell

As you may have noticed, I’m fond of the mighty chickpea (AKA the garbanzo bean). It’s just one of those natural ingredients that are so incredibly flexible. I always have a few cans of them on hand. I mean, what other single ingredients can go from making a savoury dip like this hummus to a sweet and chewy cookie like these super healthy chickpea cookies? The nutrition this little “bean” packs in such a small package are truly super!

The Mighty Chickpea

Chickpeas are high in fibre and protein, making them great for baby led weaning. Sometimes we forget to add protein-rich ingredients to balance all the healthy fruits and veggies we serve as first foods for baby led weaning. Garbanzo beans are in the legumes family, which means their carbohydrates break down slower than other forms of carbohydrates. That helps baby stay full for longer.

Baked, not Fried

This falafel recipe is made with wholesome chickpeas that are formed into easy-to-hold finger food for baby led weaning. I prefer to bake falafels for baby led weaning for two reasons:

1. They are healthier when baked
2. They bake gently crisp on the outside but are nice and soft and moist on the inside. This makes them the perfect texture for baby led weaning.

Serving Falafel for Baby Led Weaning

Once you bake the falafels you can use the remaining chickpeas you have to make a tasty hummus dip. I love to serve falafels with hummus, they just kind of belong together. We also like to serve fresh or grilled veggies alongside our falafel. This will round out a nice vegan baby led weaning recipe. Oh! and I almost forgot to mention, you can bake a double batch of these falafels because once they cool completely (if you don’t eat them all), they freeze nicely in a freezer bag. Boom! Healthy snacks for tomorrow!

Ingredients needed to make this super easy Falafel & Hummus

All of the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available in your local supermarket!

• Red onion – Red onions are a nutritious addition to your baby’s diet as they contain vitamins C, fiber, and antioxidants such as quercetin.
• Chickpeas – Chickpeas are a nutritious and versatile food that can be easily incorporated into your baby’s diet. They are a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help to keep your little one feeling full, and are also a rich source of protein, which is essential for growth and development. Additionally, chickpeas contain iron and zinc, both of which are important for a healthy immune system, and can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters who may be missing out on these essential nutrients in their diet.
• Parsley – a nutrient-rich herb that is a good source of vitamins C and K, iron, and antioxidants. These nutrients help support the immune system, maintain healthy bones, support red blood cell production. Adding parsley to your baby’s diet can be a simple and delicious way to support their overall health while adding lots of flavour.
• Garlic – Garlic is a flavorful and nutritious food that is high in vitamins C and B6, manganese, and antioxidants. These nutrients help to support a strong immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote heart health. Additionally, garlic contains allicin, a compound that is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While the strong flavor of garlic can be a bit much for some babies, it can be added in small amounts to purees, sauces, or soups to help build their taste for new flavors. Garlic is a great way to add extra nutrition and flavor to your baby’s meals.
• Spices – Spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger, are not only flavorful, but also nutritionally beneficial for your baby. These spices contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other beneficial nutrients that can help to support the immune system and promote overall health and wellness.
• Olive oil – Olive oil is a heart-healthy oil that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These nutrients may help to support overall health and wellness, including heart health. Additionally, olive oil is a good source of vitamins E and K, which play important roles in maintaining healthy skin and strong bones, respectively. It is best to use extra-virgin olive oil for cooking and in salad dressings, as it contains the highest concentration of beneficial nutrients.
• Sesame seeds – Sesame seeds are a small but mighty source of nutrition, packed with calcium, magnesium, healthy unsaturated fats, and other essential nutrients. The calcium in sesame seeds is important for building and maintaining strong bones, while the magnesium can help to regulate heart function and support overall wellness.
• Fresh coriander – Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a fragrant and nutritious herb that is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and other essential nutrients. These nutrients can help to support the immune system, promote healthy skin and eyes. Additionally, cilantro/coriander is a good source of fiber, which can support digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. The fresh, citrusy flavor can be a great addition to purees, sauces, or soups, and can help to introduce new flavors to your baby’s taste buds.

Looking for more baby led weaning chickpea recipes? Try these recipes next!

1. https://www.babyledfeeding.com/recipe/super-healthy-chickpea-cookies/
2. https://www.babyledfeeding.com/recipe/chickpea-and-roasted-carrot-pancakes/
3. https://www.babyledfeeding.com/recipe/slow-cooker-chickpea-sweet-potato-korma/

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @babyledfeeding on Instagram. All the love, Aileen 🥰

Falafel & Hummus for Baby Led Weaning

No ratings yet

(Hover over # to adjust)

Print Comment [mv_grow_share id="blf-pin-it" networks="pinterest" networks_labels="Pin" shape="rectangular" button_style="8" show_labels="yes" show_count="no" show_total_count="no"]

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion
• 1 x 400g tin chickpeas
• Handful fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 4 tbsp plain flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Sesame seeds
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Juice 1/2 lemon
• 4 tbsp tahini
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 cloves roasted garlic make sure to roast for smaller babies
• 1 x 400g tin chickpeas
• Black pepper to season
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• Flatbreads to serve
• Chopped Coriander
• Iceberg lettuce

---

Method

• Preheat oven to 180ºC.
• Peel and roughly chop the onion, then add to a food processor or blender along with all the remaining falafel ingredients (with the exception of the sesame seeds). Blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times to loosen away any stuck pieces.
• Line a tray with a bit of parchment paper, then divide the mixture into roughly 9 falafel using an ice cream scoop. Sprinkle over a few sesame seeds, then bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden.
• To make the hummus, add the wet ingredients to the blender first, followed by the chickpeas, then season with a little pepper and cumin seeds. This helps the hummus to blend much smoother. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Serve the falafel and hummus on warm flatbread, and sprinkle over a little coriander and a little iceberg lettuce.

---

*

Recipe Notes & Tips

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a comment below and tag @babyledfeeding on Instagram so we can see all the deliciousness!

Tag on Instagram Leave a Rating Pin on Pinterest