
(This post contains affiliate links.)
Feeding babies and young toddlers is a great chance to introduce a variety of flavors. At this age they are often more willing to try vegetables, so I prefer to serve them openly instead of hiding ingredients. My eight-month-old loved this curried chickpea and cauliflower dish.
Warning: This meal can be very messy, so prepare accordingly.

Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. To add iron-rich protein and a complementary flavor, I incorporate mashed chickpeas into the sauce. The combination of chickpeas and cauliflower works well taste-wise and nutritionally.
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial embedded below.
For babies, choose canned beans labeled “no-salt-added” or check the ingredients to avoid added salt for children under one year. I often use Eden Foods organic no-salt-added chickpeas.


Curried Chickpea Cauliflower
Baby-led weaning recipe. Suitable from about 8 months.
Course
baby food
Cuisine
Indian
Author
whiteblankspace
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 7.5 oz (half of a) can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
Instructions
-
Cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse thoroughly.
-
Steam the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water, covered, for 18–20 minutes until very soft.
-
While the cauliflower steams, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan. Stir in the curry powder and turmeric to release their aromas.
-
Add the rinsed chickpeas and cook for a couple of minutes to warm them through.
-
Remove the pan from heat and mash the chickpeas with a fork until mostly broken down.
-
Stir the coconut yogurt into the mashed chickpeas until well combined.
-
Fold the steamed cauliflower into the chickpea mixture and mix gently with a spatula until everything is coated and combined. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Mango Chia Lassi
A baby-friendly mango lassi thickened with chia seeds for extra nutrition and scoopable texture. Suitable from about 6 months.
Course
baby food
Cuisine
Indian
Author
whiteblankspace
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a thicker, scoopable consistency, allow the chia seeds to sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.