Chickpea and Red Pepper Baby Mash (7+ Months)

An iron-boosting mash of chickpeas, sweet red pepper and a hint of mild cumin for babies from around 7 months. Plant iron matters once milk alone is no longer enough. Safety note: blend chickpeas well — whole ones are a choking risk for young babies — and never add honey under 12 months.

Ingredients

• 200 g tinned chickpeas in water (no added salt), drained and rinsed
• ½ large red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 pinch ground cumin
• 4 tbsp water

Method

1. Soften the chopped red pepper in the olive oil over a low heat until completely tender.
2. Add the rinsed chickpeas, cumin and water and warm through.
3. Blend to a smooth, hummus-like puree, adding extra water as needed. For older babies, leave it slightly coarser — but never serve whole chickpeas to babies.
4. Cool to lukewarm and serve on a spoon, or spread on soft toast fingers for baby-led weaners.

Chef's note: Suitable from around 7 months. Choose tinned pulses with no added salt. Pair with vitamin C-rich foods like pepper (already in here!) to help iron absorption. Freeze in cubes for up to 3 months. Never honey under 12 months.

Nutrition per serving

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