Easy Black Bean Avocado Bites For Baby Led Weaning
Table of Contents
Black Beans or Pinto Beans
Black beans and pinto beans are both excellent choices for babies starting on the journey of baby-led weaning (BLW). Rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, these beans can be easily prepared for little hands to manage.
Black beans have a smooth texture and a slightly sweet flavour, while pinto beans are creamy and mild, making them appealing for babies.
Simply cook them until tender and mash or serve them whole, allowing babies to explore different textures. Both types of beans can be introduced as a standalone food or mixed into other dishes like this one, providing a nutritious and versatile option for developing palates.
How Do You Serve Black Beans To A Baby For BLW?
When introducing black beans to a baby for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), consider serving them in ways that are safe and developmentally appropriate from 6 months of age.
Cooked black beans can be mashed or served whole to babies who are ready for solids.
You can offer black beans as a standalone finger food or incorporate them into dishes like quesadillas, soups, or mixed with mashed avocado like this recipe.
Make sure the beans are soft enough for your baby to handle easily and always supervise them during mealtime to prevent choking hazards.
Are Black Beans A Choking Hazard For Babies?
Black beans can pose a choking hazard for babies during Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) due to their small, round shape.
It is essential to ensure that black beans are cooked until soft and mashed or smashed to an appropriate texture to minimise the risk of choking.
Additionally, closely supervising the baby during mealtime and providing foods that are appropriate for their age and development level can help prevent choking incidents.
Introducing black beans gradually and observing the baby's ability to handle them safely is crucial before incorporating them regularly into their diet during BLW.
Are Canned Black Beans OK For Baby?
`A can of black beans can be suitable for babies during Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) as long as they are plain and unsalted.
Rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium, then mash or cut them into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
If all goes well, canned black beans can be a nutritious addition to your baby's BLW journey, providing essential nutrients like protein, fibre, and iron.
Finger Foods For BLW
This Black Bean Avocado Bite recipe is ideal for Baby-Led Weaning (especially for those picky eaters) due to its nutritious composition and texture.
Making it a suitable choice for introducing solids to infants.
Black beans provide a good source of plant-based protein, fibre, and iron essential for a growing baby's development.
Avocado adds healthy fats and creamy texture, aiding in the transition to solid foods.
The simplicity of this recipe ensures easy preparation and minimal risk of allergens, making it a safe option for BLW.
The manageable bite-sized portions are perfect for little hands to grasp and self-feeding.
Promoting fine motor skills and independence during mealtime, and a great recipe with nutritious ingredients for the whole family.
Black Bean Avocado Bites
These Black Bean Avocado Bites are a must-try for anyone looking for a nutritious and delicious plant-based recipe.
Perfect for babies starting on solid foods and enjoyable for the whole family, these bites offer a versatile option for various meal occasions.
Packed with the goodness of black beans and avocados, these bites are not only flavourful but also rich in essential nutrients.
Consider adding this recipe to your collection for a healthy and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
The full recipe can be found below.
Ingredient information
Black beans - Black beans are great for this recipe for flavour. I find that black bean and avocado is a great combination too, you could use kidney beans, pinto beans or cannellini beans instead if you prefer.
Avocado - This is great for nutrition and adds moisture to the bites which is great.
Paprika - Paprika is a great spice for this recipe that compliments the black beans and avocado so well. If you had smoked paprika this would work really nicely too.
Oregano - I love adding oregano with spices as i feel it works so nicely. You could leave this out if you so wish.
Black pepper - I have used a little black pepper for seasoning without the salt.
Serving suggestion
The baby bean bites are a great way to serve to those picky toddlers.
They would be great served in side a mini tortilla, with a little red cabbage, brown rice a variety of different vegetables and a little plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Or you could serve the little bites within vegetarian baby burrito bowls for the entire family as a healthy lunch or dinner.
The possibilities are endless with this whole beans recipe.
You could also serve with sweet potatoes cooked with a little olive oil, you could then serve with tomato sauce if you wish.
A great meal idea for those busy days.
Other similar recipes: Black bean burgers, Spinach ricotta bites, Cheese scones or Egg bites.
Storage instructions
The easy recipe once cooled, can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
If you wanted to reheat the bites, you will only be able to reheat once from the fridge.
I would suggest heating them up in the oven, at 180C or 350F, for 10 minutes. Leave to cool before serving to your baby.
To store in the freezer, leave the bites to cool at room temperature and store in an airtight container or in airtight freezer bags.
They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. This will not affect the end result.
To defrost the bites, leave in the fridge overnight to fully thaw.
Once thawed you will not be able to re-freeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.
Large 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.
Air-tight 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 | Easy Black Bean Avocado Bites For Baby Led Weaning
Ingredients
Makes 10 - 12 bites
400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 large avocado (68g) peeled and cored
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
Grind of black pepper
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to a medium heat of 180C or 350F. Prepare a baking sheet with baking parchment .
Pop all ingredients into a food processor and blitz until smooth. You can leave a few lumps here and there. From 6 months you may want to make the bites smooth.
Place the bean mixture into a large bowl and mix using a spoon.
Using a teaspoon scoop the mixture, roll into a ball using your hands and place onto your prepared baking sheet.
Repeat until you have used all of the mixture.
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and cook for 25 minutes.
Leave to cool on the baking sheet and serve to your baby checking they are not too hot.
Recipe notes
This recipe is an easy way to create a meal with flavour, with minimal fuss! Not only that it is a recipe that is great for baby’s diet.
I also love the fact the recipe used minimal plant-based foods that are tasty too.
The soft texture of the bites will be ok for baby’s from 6 months old.
You will see great joy as your family tuck in. Not just a baby food!
Hope you and your family enjoy!
©The Petit Spoon
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