Pumpkin Chickpea Delight
A creamy and nutritious purée combining the goodness of chickpeas and pumpkin for a delightful and healthy meal for your little one.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (unsalted, rinsed)
- 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin or butternut squash (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)
- Pinch of ground cumin (optional)
Instructions
Gather your ingredients: cooked chickpeas, cooked pumpkin, water, and cumin (if using).
Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly under running water. If they seem firm, simmer them in a small pot of water for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Consider removing chickpea skins: For an extra smooth purée, gently pinch some of the chickpeas to remove their skins. This step is optional but can improve the texture.
Combine ingredients in a blender: Place the softened chickpeas and cooked pumpkin into a blender or food processor.
Add water and cumin: Pour in 1/4 cup of water. If desired, add a tiny pinch of ground cumin for a warm, earthy flavor.
Blend until smooth: Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Adjust consistency: If the purée is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. For younger babies, aim for a thinner consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning (optional): If your baby is used to more flavors, taste the purée and add a tiny bit more cumin if desired. Remember, babies have sensitive palates, so less is more.
Cool slightly: Allow the purée to cool slightly before serving. Ensure it's not too hot for your baby.
Serve and enjoy: Spoon the purée into a bowl and offer it to your baby. Observe their reaction and adjust the portion size accordingly.
Store leftovers: Store any leftover purée in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat carefully: When reheating, add a splash of water or breast milk/formula to thin it out if it has thickened. Ensure it is heated through evenly and not too hot before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the purée in small, individual portions using ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Optional additions (for older babies): For babies over 9 months who have tried tahini, a tiny 1/2 teaspoon can be added for a hummus-like flavor. Ensure texture is always smooth to avoid gagging.
Introduce slowly: As with any new food, introduce the chickpea pumpkin puree in small quantities initially to observe for any allergic reactions or digestive discomfort.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during preparation and feeding.
- Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly cooked and soft to prevent choking.
- Check the temperature of the purée before serving to avoid burns.
- Introduce new foods one at a time to identify any potential allergies. Chickpeas are legumes, so monitor for reactions, especially if baby has a peanut allergy.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 80 kcal per serving
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 2g