Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, and finding nutritious and delicious recipes can be a fun adventure. If you’re looking to expand your baby’s culinary horizons, we have this yummy and nutritious tuna and couscous recipe for your baby.
These patties are not only packed with flavours that your little one will love, but they also offer a range of essential nutrients. They are easy to prepare and can be a fantastic addition to your baby’s meal rotation. So, let’s dive in and learn how to whip up these tasty and nutritious tuna and couscous patties that your baby will adore.
Why use tuna in a baby led weaning recipe?
Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and repair. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which promote heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
These fatty acids also support brain function and are essential for cognitive development. Additionally, tuna is a good source of essential minerals like selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, and vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption and bone health.
Including tuna in your baby’s diet can contribute to a balanced and nutritious eating plan.
In short, tuna is:
- Full of healthy protein
- Good for the heart
- Tuna is a great source of Vitamin B12 and folate
- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids which aid growth and development
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Why offer couscous to your baby?
Couscous is a popular food that can provide various health benefits for babies when introduced as a part of a balanced diet. Couscous is a type of small, granular pasta made from semolina flour and water. It is a versatile grain that can be easily cooked and mixed with other ingredients to create nutritious meals for infants. Some of it’s nutritional health benefits include:
- Carbohydrates: Couscous is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy to support a baby’s growth and development.
- Fibre: Couscous contains dietary fibre, which can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation in babies. Fibre also aids in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of certain diseases later in life.
- Protein: While couscous is not as high in protein as other grains like quinoa, it still provides a moderate amount of this vital nutrient. Protein is crucial for the growth and repair of cells and tissues in a baby’s body.
- Vitamins: Couscous contains various vitamins, including vitamin B6, which supports brain development and the production of red blood cells. It also contains small amounts of vitamins E and K, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
- Minerals: Couscous is a source of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium. These minerals play important roles in bone development, immune function, and overall growth.
- Iron: Couscous contains iron, an essential mineral that helps in the production of hemoglobin and carries oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron intake is crucial for preventing iron deficiency anemia in infants.
Can you replace the egg in this tuna & couscous recipe for babies?
Egg can be replaced with a flax egg which is a simple way of binding the ingredients together without using eggs.
Simply mix one tablespoon of ground flax seed with 2.5 tablespoon of water until a consistency similar to that of raw egg white is formed. Add it to the mixture and voila!
For this recipe, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of ground flax and 5 tablespoons of water.
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How do you serve these tuna & couscous patties?
For my toddler, I simply cut these patties into thirds and let him dig in with his fork. For younger babies, you can cut them into strips so they can be easily held by little hands.
Always ensure that the patties are sufficiently cooled before giving them to your baby or toddler.
How do I store this tuna and couscous recipe for babies?
These tuna and couscous patties can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to a month.
Be sure to store them in an air tight container to keep them as fresh and possible.
To reheat, make sure any frozen patties are fully defrosted in the fridge overnight and then either reheat in a preheated oven for 7 minutes at 160C or in the airfryer for 5 minutes at 180C. Be sure to leave them to fully cool before offering to baby.
Tuna & Couscous Patties
Discover this delicious and super healthy tuna & couscous baby recipe perfect for baby led weaning that your baby will love!
Ingredients
- 1 tin tuna
- 100 grams cous cous
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Add dried couscous to a large bowl, cover with boiling water and leave covered for 5 mins.
2. Add tin tuna and combine thoroughly with a fork.
3. Add egg and dd herbs and spices and combine thoroughly again.
4. Use an ice cream scoop to grab balls and roll them in your hands to ensure they stay combined.
5. Heat cooking spray in a saucepan on medium heat and pop the balls in. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and then flip. Flatten the other side slightly again with the back of the spatula.
7. Cook for a further 3 minutes then plate up.
8. Leave to cool completely before serving to your baby
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 25Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
Author: Nicola Hughes
Nicola has weaned both of her boys using the baby led weaning method. She loves nothing better than creating simple recipes that anyone can recreate, using as few ingredients as possible. All of her recipes have been tried and tested by both Dexter and Felix and have their seal of approval!