Starting solids is such an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming to know what to serve your little one. These baby-led weaning chickpea carrot patties are a great place to start. They’re soft, nutritious, easy to hold, and made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Whether you’re doing full baby-led weaning or a mix of purées and finger foods, these patties are a wonderful way to introduce protein, fiber, and vegetables in one bite. They’re freezer-friendly, family-friendly, and versatile enough to adapt with different veggies and flavors.
Why Chickpeas Are Great for Babies
Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a fantastic first food because they’re:
- High in protein and fiber → supports healthy growth and digestion.
- Iron-rich → an important nutrient for babies starting solids.
- Naturally soft → easy to mash or blend into patties.
- Neutral in flavor → they take on the taste of added veggies and spices.
When combined with carrot, you get a touch of natural sweetness that babies love – all while sneaking in extra vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chickpeas – canned or cooked from dry. Just rinse and drain well.
- Carrot – peeled and roughly chopped. The food processor will take care of the rest.
- Oat flour (or ground oats) – acts as a binder and keeps the patties soft.
- Olive oil – adds moisture and healthy fats (optional but recommended).
- Egg – helps bind the patties together. You can skip it for an egg-free version.
- Mild spice (optional) – cumin or garlic powder adds flavor without heat.
How to Serve Chickpea Carrot Patties
- For 7-month-olds: Cut patties into strips or halves for easy grasping.
- For older babies/toddlers: Serve whole with a dip like plain yogurt, mashed avocado, or hummus.
Storage and Freezing
- Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or oven until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. Keeps up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can my 7-month-old eat chickpeas?
Yes! Chickpeas are safe for babies when softened and mashed or blended into patties like this. Always serve in age-appropriate textures and monitor for allergies.
What if my patties fall apart?
Add more oat flour or use an egg to help bind. Letting them cool slightly before serving also helps them firm up.
Do I need a food processor?
A food processor makes the mixture smoother (ideal for 7-month-olds), but you can mash chickpeas with a fork and grate the carrot if you don’t have one.
Can I give these to my toddler too?
Absolutely! Toddlers love them as finger food or dipped in sauces. They’re a family-friendly recipe.
Final Thoughts
These baby-led weaning chickpea carrot patties are a wholesome, flexible recipe that works for babies, toddlers, and even adults. They’re perfect for meal prep, easy to freeze, and packed with nutrients. Whether you serve them plain, with dips, or as part of a meal, they’re sure to become a staple in your baby’s BLW journey.
Chickpea Carrot Patties (Baby & Toddler Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1 medium carrot peeled and roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour or ground oat flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for softness
- 1 egg
- pinch of mild spice like cumin or garlic powder – optional
Instructions
- Add carrot chunks to a food processor and pulse until very finely chopped.
- Add chickpeas, oat flour, olive oil, egg and spice. Pulse until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough-like consistency.
- If it’s too wet, add a bit more oat flour. If it’s too dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water.
- Scoop out spoonfuls, shape into small patties, and flatten slightly.
- Cook in a nonstick pan with a tiny drizzle of oil for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
