We LOVE quinoa for all kids, but especially babies. It’s incredibly nutrient-dense, allergen-free and easy to enjoy in traditional purees or for those doing baby-led weaning.
While all plant-proteins are technically complete plant proteins, quinoa contains all essential amino acids in the right ratios, is naturally gluten-free and is a good source of iron. We talk a lot about the importance of iron during infancy, as babies’ iron stores begin to drop around 6 months of age and therefore, iron needs to be a nutrient of focus when starting solids.
Quinoa also contains fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and manganese, all important for growth and development.
See below for our favorite recipes using quinoa!
When Can Babies Have Quinoa?
Quinoa can be introduced as soon as your baby is ready for solids, typically around 6 months of age and can be incorporated as a puree or in baby-led weaning recipes.
How to Prepare Quinoa for Babies
Before cooking, we like to rinse quinoa to remove its natural bitter coating, called saponins.
Quinoa is like rice in that you’ll cook it in a 2:1 ratio of water or broth to quinoa. Combine 1/2 cup quinoa and 1 cup water or broth in a saucepan, then bright to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cooked quinoa should be soft, moist an easy to mash with other ingredients. I tend to cook my quinoa a little longer when I am serving it just for baby.
How to Prepare Quinoa for Purees
Yes, you can puree quinoa! It will still have some texture, but safe enough to be served alongside other creamy, pureed foods like sweet potato, apples, carrots.
Quinoa Potato Puree
Blend together cooked quinoa with sweet potato and orange juice. The orange juice contains vitamin C, which helps to enhance the iron content of the quinoa.
- 1/2 cup cooled and cooked sweet potato (I usually microwave one for 5 minutes, then remove the skin)
- 1/2 orange, juiced (or about 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice)
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree until creamy. Also great with a little cinnamon!
Quinoa for Baby-Led Weaning
Quinoa is also great for baby-led weaning, though it’s best served in a way that baby can easily grasp.
- Preloaded spoon: Scoop soft quinoa on a spoon (we love these spoons for baby)
- Quinoa Patties or Fritters: Our recipe is below! Or, mix cooked quinoa with mashed beans or veggies
- Mixed into soft foods: Stir into mashed avocado, yogurt or oatmeal
More Whole Grain Recipes
- Fall Harvest Farro Bowls
- Leftover Rice Breakfast Bowls
- Cheesy Veggie Orzo Risotto
- Southwestern Rice Salad
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Baby-Led Weaning Quinoa Patties
Print RecipeEquipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled slightly
- 1/3 cup white beans
- 2 tablespoons finely grated carrot
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the white beans until they are mushy, then add in the cooked quinoa, carrots, flaxseed, oat flour and garlic powder.
- Stir together– the mixture should clump together easily, but if it needs more binding, add in more mashed white beans or flour.
- When ready to cook, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Take a teaspoon scoop of the mixture and form into a long, thin strip, the size of a pinky finger.
- Add to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly crispy on the outside but still tender enough to easily mash between your hands.
