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Weaning Made Easy: 5 Irresistible Recipes Your Baby Will Love

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09 September 2024

•

8 minute read

Weaning Made Easy: 5 Irresistible Recipes Your Baby Will Love

By Café Columbia

I still remember the excitement of introducing my kids to solid food.

It wasn’t just a milestone for them, it felt like one for me, too.

I was eager to offer them tofu, while my husband insisted on lamb kebabs.

Our different choices made it even more special, blending our tastes in their tiny bowls.

Their weaning journey was unforgettable.

Some days, more food ended up on the floor, or on us, than in their mouths.

Tiny hands grabbed spoons, food flew everywhere, and the room was filled with giggles.

It was messy, chaotic, but full of joy, and every moment was worth it.

So mummies, get ready for this exciting stage!

It’s a learning experience for both you and your little one.

Keep this handy for weaning tips and recipes, and a bit of encouragement along the way.

Weaning Recipes and Serving Size

Before we begin, it is important to remember to start with small portions when feeding little ones.

Offer more if they show interest.

Once you find the right portion size for your baby, follow their lead.

Adjust portions as needed, gradually increasing as they grow.

Important notes for mummies:

  • Prepare all food without adding sugar, salt or artificial flavours
  • Use homemade chicken or anchovy stock to enhance the flavour of baby food

These yummy recipes for your little ones are specially curated by the Café Columbia team from Columbia Asia Hospital – Seremban.

  1. Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nazri (Kitchen Cook)
  2. Khairul Fahmi Jomino (Kitchen Executive)
  3. Kesenthiren Ramesh (Kitchen Cook)
  4. Sherturaam Balakrishnan (Kitchen Coordinator)

Mackerel Fritters with Grains

These fritters are perfect to introduce your little ones to savoury flavours for the first time!
 
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Asian
 
Servings: 12 fritters
Calories: 99 kcal
 
 
Ingredients
  • 300 g potatoes
  • 250 g mackerel
  • 1 egg separate the egg yolks and egg whites
  • 1 stick salary
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 30 g instant cereal finely blended
  • 10 ml vegetable oil for grilling

Instructions

  1. Boil cut potatoes until they are soft, then set them aside to cool before mashing.
  2. Flake the mackerel, mix it with the egg yolk, celery, onion and garlic in a bowl.
  3. Take a spoonful of the mixture, shape it into a ball, then flatten it.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white using a fork.
  5. Brush the flattened mixture with the egg white and coat them with instant cereal.
  6. Grill the prepared mixture for five minutes on each side, or until it reaches a desirable hot and golden brown appearance throughout.
  7. For easy consumption, cut the fritters into halves.
  8. Serve on its own or with mashed potatoes.

Notes

“These mackerel-based fritters are ideal for baby-led weaning. Their bite-sized portions are easy for babies to handle and bring to their mouths. This could encourage exploration of different tastes and textures alongside their milk feeds, which are crucial for providing daily nutrients.”

 

– Columbia Asia Hospital – Seremban Dietitian, Hoormila Sagar

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal
Carbohydrates: 8.1g
Protein: 6.5g
Fat: 4.5g
Sodium: 120mg

Carrot Pancakes

Pancakes are always a great idea. They work well when you’re on the go and are so versatile to mix and match ingredients!
 
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Western
 
Servings: 6 pancakes
Servings: 72 kcal
 

Ingredients

  • ½ carrots medium and grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp flour whole wheat, oat or almond
  • ½ tsp cinnamon optional
  • 1 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 5 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Finely grate the carrots into a bowl, then mix in the egg, flour, water and cinnamon.
  2. Combine the ingredients thoroughly using a fork or whisk.
  3. Heat unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  4. Pour 2 tbsp batter onto the skillet to make one portion of pancake.
  5. Cook for three to four minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown and the edges start to firm up.
  6. Allow the pancakes to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

“These nutritious pancakes are every child’s dream, ideal breakfast or snack for both babies and adults. They taste just like carrot cake but are made with only nutritious grains and contains no added sugar!”
 
– Columbia Asia Hospital – Seremban Dietitian, Hoormila Sagar

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal
Carbohydrates: 7.1g
Protein: 3.4g
Fat: 3.7g
Sodium: 27mg

Mixed Porridge

Packed with goodness, this recipe is perfect to boost your little one’s nutritional intake. Delicious even up to toddlerhood!
 
Course: Porridge
Cuisine: Asian
 
 
Calories: 129 kcal
 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 220 g rice sushi or Japanese rice
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 250 g chicken breast minced
  • 70 g yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 70 g zucchini finely chopped
  • 70 g carrots finely chopped
  • 4 cups chicken stock homemade with no salt or sugar

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with four cups of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. After rinsing the rice, let it boil for five minutes.
  3. Once done, drain the water from the rice using a strainer.
  4. In a separate pot, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat and add minced chicken breast. Cook for two to three minutes.
  5. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them for an additional two to three minutes.
  6. Add in the parboiled rice and simmer it over medium heat for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in the remaining vegetables.
  8. Pour four cups of homemade chicken stock into the same pot and bring it to a boil.
  9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  10. Serve warm.

Notes

“Mixed porridge is fantastic for the entire family and an excellent option for baby meals. This recipe embodies Malaysian Healthy Plate guidelines, ensuring appropriate proportions of each food group to be consumed for one meal, as well as making it satisfying and sustaining. This is the ideal first foods to introduce to your child .”

 

– Columbia Asia Hospital – Seremban Dietitian, Hoormila Sagar

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal
Carbohydrates: 17.7g
Protein: 8.3g
Fat: 2.5g
Sodium: 134mg

Baked Fish Nuggets with Mashed Potatoes

Children are always fans of nuggets. This recipe lets them enjoy what they love, while the hidden goodness gives them the needed nutrition boost!
 
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Western
 
 
Calories: 166 kcal
 

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

Baked Fish Nuggets
  • 500 g salmon fillet sliced 30-33 g finger-sized pieces
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs finely blended
Mashed Potatoes
  • 250 g potatoes diced
  • 165 g peas frozen
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 60 ml whole milk

Instructions

Baked Fish Nuggets
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C
  2. Dredge fillets one piece at a time in flour, then dip them in beaten eggs.
  3. Roll them in blended breadcrumbs.
  4. Place the coated salmon fingers onto a baking tray.
  5. Bake for around 15-20 minutes until they turn golden and flaky.
  6. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli florets.
Mashed Potatoes
  1. Add potatoes into a pot and pour enough water to cover them by about two inches.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
  3. Allow the potatoes to simmer for about 10 minutes until they are tender.
  4. Add in the frozen peas and allow them to return to a simmer.
  5. Drain water and add butter into the pot.
  6. Mash the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
  7. Stir in whole milk until the mashed potatoes reach the desired texture.

Notes

“When weaning your little one, fish can be an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, omega-3, iodine and vitamin B12. They are all vital for your child’s proper growth and development. Salmon, whitefish (cod, pollock or halibut), canned light tuna and sardines are a few healthy fish options for children aged six months and older.”

 

– Columbia Asia Hospital – Seremban Dietitian, Hoormila Sagar

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcal
Carbohydrates: 20.6g
Protein: 11.5g
Fat: 5.3g
Sodium: 149mg

Roasted Cherry Tomato, Carrot and Cheese Macaroni

The texture of this recipe allows little ones to practice self-feeding!
 
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Western
 
 
Calories: 176 kcal
 

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 300 g cherry tomatoes
  • 150 g carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 onions small and sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced
  • 150 g macaroni dry
  • 200 ml homemade chicken / vegetable stock hot
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 25 g cheddar cheese grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
  2. On a baking sheet, arrange tomatoes, carrots, onion and garlic.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
  4. In a separate pot, cook the macaroni in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine the roasted vegetables with hot homemade chicken or vegetable stock.
  6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for two to three minutes.
  7. Blend the mixture until smooth using a stick blender.
  8. Stir in the cheese and cream cheese until melted and well combined.
  9. Finally, add boiled macaroni to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  10. Serve the roasted cherry tomato, carrot and cheese macaroni hot, optionally garnished with grated cheese.

Notes

“Pasta can be introduced to your little ones as early as six months of age. All types of pasta contain ample carbohydrates to fuel a baby’s growing body. When served as part of a balanced, whole-food diet, pasta is a nutritious addition to a baby’s meals.”

 

– Columbia Asia Hospital – Seremban Dietitian, Hoormila Sagar

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 5.3g
Fat: 8.2g
Sodium: 84mg

Mess, Learning and Memorable Milestones

Dear mummies, as you start embarking on this weaning journey, every bite is a new adventure.

Embrace the mess and the learning.

It’s all part of the fun.

With patience and creativity, you’ll make great memories and find the perfect feeding routine.

Cheers to the exciting journey of solid foods and the milestones ahead!

This article first appeared in Motherhood, 9 September 2024.

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09 September 2024

•

8 minute read

Weaning Made Easy: 5 Irresistible Recipes Your Baby Will Love

By Café Columbia

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