Potato and Carrot Croquettes For Baby Led Weaning

Table of Contents

What is a croquette?

A croquette is a small, savoury food dish that typically consists of minced meat, vegetables, or seafood mixed with various seasonings and bound together with a thick sauce. The mixture is then shaped into a cylindrical or oval shape and coated in breadcrumbs before being fried until golden and crispy.

The result is a delectable morsel with a crispy exterior and a tender, flavourful filling. Croquettes can be served as a delicious appetiser, a satisfying snack, or even as a main course. They are often enjoyed with dipping sauces or as part of a larger meal. The versatility and crispy texture of croquettes make them a delightful treat that is loved by many around the world.

Benefits Of Potatoes For BLW

Potatoes, make an excellent addition to a baby-led weaning diet. Packed with essential nutrients, potatoes are soft and easy to prepare, making them an ideal first food for little ones. Whether roasted, mashed, or steamed, potatoes offer a delightful texture that encourages self-feeding and helps develop fine motor skills.

They are also a great source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and potassium, promoting healthy digestion and boosting immune function. With their mild flavour and gentle texture, potatoes provide a perfect canvas for introducing new flavours and textures to your baby's growing palate.

So go ahead, add some mashed sweet potatoes or roasted potato wedges to your little one's mealtime adventures, fostering a love for whole foods right from the start.

Including Parsnips In BLW

Incorporating parsnips into a baby-led weaning diet can be a delightful and nutritious addition for little ones. These root vegetables offer a unique and mild flavour, making them an ideal choice for introducing new tastes to your baby's palate. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, parsnips provide a wonderful source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and potassium.

Their soft texture, when cooked appropriately, allows babies to grasp and explore their food independently, promoting self-feeding and fine motor skill development. Whether roasted, steamed, or mashed, parsnips offer a versatile ingredient that can be readily combined with other foods to create an array of delicious and wholesome meals for your growing baby.

Benefits Of Carrots For BLW

Including carrots in a baby-led weaning diet offers numerous benefits for little ones embarking on their solid food journey. Carrots are not only vibrant and visually appealing but are also packed with essential nutrients. These root vegetables are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy vision, immune function, and growth.

By including carrots in their diet, babies can strengthen their immune system and support healthy development. Moreover, carrots provide a wonderful opportunity for babies to practice their fine motor skills, as they can grasp and self-feed carrot sticks easily. The sweet and slightly earthy flavour of carrots also helps in introducing new tastes and textures, making them an ideal addition to a baby-led weaning diet.

Benefits of Cheese For BLW

Cheddar cheese can be a suitable option for babies during the baby-led weaning journey, given a few considerations. As a natural source of protein and calcium, cheddar cheese can contribute to a well-rounded diet for your little one. However, it is essential to introduce cheese cautiously, as it may pose a choking hazard if not prepared properly.

It is recommended to offer small, manageable pieces of cheddar cheese appropriate for your baby's age and development. Additionally, some infants may have difficulties digesting dairy products, so it is advisable to observe your baby for any signs of lactose intolerance or allergies. Always consult with your health visitor before introducing new foods to ensure they are appropriate for your baby's unique needs.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Croquettes are an excellent option for baby-led weaning (BLW) from 6 months of age due to their versatility and nutritional value. These tasty bite-sized morsels are a perfect introduction to solid foods, as they are soft, easily manageable, and packed with essential nutrients. Additionally, their small size allows babies to practice their fine motor skills by picking them up with their fingers. (great for a picky eater too).

As a BLW food, croquettes encourage self-feeding and independence, fostering a positive relationship with food right from the start, which is why croquettes are great finger foods. With their delicious taste and wholesome ingredients, croquettes are undoubtedly an ideal choice for introducing solid foods during the baby-led weaning journey.

Ingredient information

White potato - I used leftover mashed potato from my Sunday roast. Use any potato that you have.

Large carrot - I have used usual carrots, any mashable vegetable will work for this recipe.

Parsnip - Parsnips are great and cost effective. I used up parsnips from our roast dinner.

Cheddar cheese - You can choose any cheese you like here, just make sure it is a pasteurised cheese from 6 months old.

Serving suggestion

This easy recipe can be served with something like a pork patty as a side dish or they could be served alongside a bolognaise without the spaghetti for example. They are great served on their own for little hands, as a snack as part of a lunch or a dinner, for the whole family.

Other great finger food options are: Dipped bananas, carrot fritters, French toast.

Storage instructions

The croquettes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container. Leave to cool at room temperature before transferring to the container.

If you wanted to freeze the croquettes, you will need to make sure that the croquettes have cooled down before transferring to either a freezer bag or airtight container. Ensure that the bag and airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.

To defrost the croquettes, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure they are fully defrosted before serving. they can be served chilled.

To reheat, pre heat the oven to 180C/350F and place the croquettes on a lined baking sheet and warm through for 15 minutes.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

Mixing bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.

Baking sheet - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.

Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use. 

Recipe | Potato and Carrot Croquettes For Baby Led Weaning

Ingredients

Makes 14-15 croquettes

• 150g potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 150g carrots, peeled and sliced

• 150g parsnips, peeled and sliced

• 50g grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Start by pre heating the oven to a medium heat of 180C or 350F. Line a baking tray with baking parchment.

• Pour boiling water from the kettle into a large saucepan and add in the potatoes, carrot and parsnip. Cook for 20 minutes until soft and tender.

• Drain the vegetables, and leave the vegetables to cool slightly.

• Pop the vegetables into a large mixing bowl and mash them all with a fork. (you could use a food processor if you prefer).

• Pour in the grated cheese and mix together.

• Use a teaspoon to scoop out 1 heaped teaspoon of the mixture and form the croquette by rolling between your hands, forming a cylinder shape. Add to the lined baking tray.

• Repeat for all of the little patties and pop in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

If you wanted to make the croquettes dairy free/vegan, all you will need to do is choose vegan or dairy free cheese to replace the cheddar cheese.

You could add in a few spring onions if you wanted to before you pop the perfect finger food into the oven.

You could add an egg wash and cover the croquettes in breadcrumbs for an extra crunch and texture. This may be suitable from 12 months old. This would be a great way to involve new textures to your baby.

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