Introducing your baby to the wonderful world of food is a big milestone. And with different tastes and textures to discover…
it can often be tricky to know where to begin with weaning. Just like many mums, I didn’t quite know where to start when I first began weaning my son. The process felt quite daunting, but I decided to roll up my sleeves and get experimenting in the kitchen. I am so glad I did, it is a wonderful, exciting experience and you will be surprised at the flavours your little one will enjoy.
From their very first tastes at six months or so, to exploring new flavours and textures, here are a variety of weaning recipes that are guaranteed to tantalise their taste buds.
Tasty Beef Tagine with Sweet Potato
Suitable from 6 months • Makes 5 portions • Babies are open to new tastes from 6-12 months, but tend to become fussier towards one years old – so use this time wisely!
Ingredients
1 tsp oil
75g onion, chopped
30g red pepper, diced
100g courgette, diced
100g carrot, diced
75g sweet potato, diced
100g lean minced beef
400g chopped tomatoes
½ tsp ground cumin
3 tbsp apple juice
100ml water
Method
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the vegetables and fry for 3 minutes. Add the beef and brown. Sprinkle in the cumin, then blend in the tomatoes, water and apple juice. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes until tender. Blend until smooth.
Sweet Potato & Apple Mini Muffins
Suitable from 9 months • Makes 24 mini muffins • Adding sweet root vegetables to a traditional muffin recipe really does work. These sweet potato muffins are nutritious, delicious and easy to prepare, making them perfect finger foods for your little ones.
Ingredients
150g plain flour
75g caster sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
50ml sunflower oil
½ dessert apple, peeled and grated
75g apple sauce
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
50g raisins
50g sweet potato, peeled and grated
1 egg
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a 24-hole mini-muffin tin with paper cases. Next, measure all of the ingredients into a large bowl and blend until smooth using an electric hand whisk. Spoon the mixture equally into the cases. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until well risen and lightly golden. Cool for 5 minutes in the tin then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For more, check out Part: 1 here
Annabel Karmel’s Quick & Easy Weaning is out now.
Ebury Press | £9.99
Filled with 100 fast, tasty and nutritious recipes, planners and feeding guides, Annabel is on hand to help give your baby the best start.
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