Quinoa is undoubtedly one of the MVP's in my kitchen. For years I've used quinoa as a base for meals bowls because it is a nutrient powerhouse and highly versatile. It should come as no surprise then that it has become my most used ingredient for baby led weaning (BLW) recipes. Quinoa is a pseudo-ceral, but it's been classified as a whole grain by the Whole Grains Council. It is rich in protein, fiber, moderate fat, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Iron is especially important for babies making quinoa a perfect plant-based protein option for babies. Non-heme iron sources (plant-based) are not absorbed by our bodies as well as animal protein sources, but Vitamin-C aids in absorption so I'm including my favorite Vitamin-C options to pair with each quinoa bite.
These quinoa bites aren't just for baby though! I often throw the Sweet Potato Quinoa Bites into a whole wheat pita with mixed greens and a drizzle of avocado oil ranch dressing for an easy lunch. The Cheesy Quinoa Bites also make an awesome hand-held snacks for those times you are too busy chasing after your little one to sit down.
*I include salt in the recipes for adults, but if you are making these for you baby then eliminate the salt. Babies under 1 cannot process sodium.
One last thing before you get to the recipes, all 3 quinoa bites are freezer friendly so you can take advantage of cooking once then having meal and snack options all week. Simply let them cool after cooking then load them up in a Ziploc or eco-friendly silicone bag then toss them in your freezer. To reheat just microwave in 20 second increments until warmed through (usually twice).
Sweet Potato Quinoa Bites
1 medium sweet potato
1 cup cooked quinoa
2 egs
1 tsp salt (if for BLW skip)
1/2 cup almond flour
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2) Roast sweet potato for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3) Remove skin of sweet potato.
4) Combine sweet potato, quinoa, eggs, and almond flour until well incorporated.
5) Scoop out 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into ball then place the ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining mixture.
6) Bake the balls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
7) Once cooled, serve with roasted carrots or another side high in Vitamin C.
*serve hot for adults
Cheesy Quinoa Bites
1 cup cooked quinoa
2 eggs
1 cup thawed frozen cauliflower rice
1 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I use Trader's Joes organic mixed cheese)
3 tbsp whole wheat flour (sub almond for gf)
1/2 tsp sea salt (if for BLW skip)
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2)Use paper towel or cheese cloth to remove excess water from cauliflower rice.
3) Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
4) Scoop out 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into ball then place the ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining mixture.
5) Bake the balls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
6) Once cooled, serve with sliced strawberries or another side high in Vitamin C.
*serve hot for adults
Quinoa Pea Bites
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 onion chopped
1 cup pureed peas (or thaw frozen peas then mash with fork)
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
lemon wedge for serving
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2) Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl until well combined.
3) Bake the balls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
4) Once cooled, top with a little lemon juice or a side high in Vitamin C.
*serve hot for adults
Enjoying home cooked meals with Louis has become one of my favorite parts of being a mother, but I also know how stressful it can be to find options that babies will actually eat while also fulfilling their nutritional needs. These quinoa bites check both of those boxes so I hope you and your littles enjoy these as much as we do! Be on the look out for more baby led weaning recipes as well as family meals.
-Lauren