Baby Food Recipes with Chickpeas

Chickpeas are legumes that have been consumed by humans for a very long time. They are healthy alternatives to many other snacks and are often used in meals in India. They are also called Desi (in India), Ceci beans, and garbanzo beans. The Indian version, Desi, is actually more nutritious than the strand we have in the United States.

You can purchase Desi in most Asian markets. Traditional western chickpeas can be purchased in most grocery stores in multiple varieties. For baby food, you will want to stick to a plain variety.

The baby puree recipes in this article:

Recipe 1 – Chickpeas, Sweet potato, and Spinach
Recipe 2 – Chickpeas, Carrots, and Apple 
Recipe 3 – Chickpeas, Green Beans, and Banana

You might also be interested in our recipes with spinach, carrots or rice. 

When Can a Baby Eat Chickpeas?

Parents should get consent from the child’s pediatrician to know when it is safe and the child is ready to eat chickpeas. Most babies are ready for chickpeas around 6 months of age, but some parents choose to wait until their child is a little older until they are about 8-10 months. This to avoid having a gassy baby since chickpeas are legumes and tend to cause gas that can be uncomfortable for the baby.

There are many ways to prevent your child from becoming gassy prior to eating legumes, and this should be discussed with the pediatrician prior to giving your child chickpeas.

How to Prepare Chickpeas for Baby Food

In order to make baby food including chickpeas, you first have to decide whether you want to use canned or dry chickpeas. Both options will work, it is entirely a personal preference. There are some pros and cons to each choice.

Canned chickpeas are the convenient option because all you have to do is open the can they are in. However, some canned chickpeas contain salt, which should not be given to babies and half of the folate that dry chickpeas contain.

Dried chickpeas are cheaper than the canned, do not contain salt, and contain double the foliate that the canned chickpeas do. Unfortunately, you have to cook these for two hours before using them in your baby food.

If you choose to use canned chickpeas, be sure to remove the shell and rinse them well to remove the salt. If you choose to use dried chickpeas, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 12 months.

Recipe 1: Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, and Spinach Puree (age 8 months+)

A dinner recipe that is both healthy and tasty!

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato
• 1 cup of chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions:

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put sweet potato cubes on parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. (or cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes in a saucepan)

Step 2 – Boil water about 1 inch deep in a pot. Put the spinach in a steamer basket and put the basket on the pot. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes.

Step 3 – Remove the sweet potato and let it cool off. Once the sweet potato is cool, peel the skin off.

Step 4 – Cook the chickpeas in a saucepan with boiling water for about 30 minutes. 

Step 5 – Puree all of the ingredients together until smooth.

Recipe 2: Chickpeas, Carrots, and Apple Puree (age 6-8 months+)

Nutritious, fresh and tasty! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 2 carrots
• 1 apple

Instructions:

Step 1 – Bring a saucepan with water to a boil and cook the chickpeas for about 30 minutes. 

Step 2 – Peel the carrots and cut them in cubes. 

Step 3 – Cook the carrots for about 10 minutes, until fork-tender. 

Step 4 – Peel the apple and remove the core. Cut the apple in slices. You can use the apple raw or cook the apple a few minutes. This will make it taste sweeter. 

Step 5 – Add all the ingredients to a blender in mix them into a smooth puree. Add some water or formula if needed. 

Recipe 3: Chickpeas, Green Beans and Banana Puree (age 6-8 months+)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 cup of green beans (frozen or fresh)
• 1 banana

Instructions:

Step 1 – Bring a saucepan with water to a boil. Cook the chickpeas for about 30 minutes. 

Step 2 – Clean the green beans and remove the ends. 

Step 3 – Cook the beans for about 10 minutes or steam them. 

Step 4 – Peel the banana and slice it up. 

Step 5 – Add all the ingredients (water or formula optional) to your blender and mix them into a smooth puree. 

How to store and freeze

All three of these recipes can be stored in the refrigerator or up to 3 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure you separate meals into portions that your baby will eat to avoid having a bunch of excess food or having to throw out food.

Feeding guide for chickpeas

Please keep in mind that this guide only applies to chickpeas. If you add other ingredients, like meats, the guide doesn’t apply anymore.

We recommend that you consult with your baby’s pediatrician on introducing solid foods as generalities may not apply to your infant.

Which kitchen tools to use

In order to prepare these baby food recipes, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• Blender or food processor

• Knife

• Tablespoon

• Cup

• Vegetable peeler

• Cutting board

• Saucepan

• Steamer pan, crockpot or slow cooker

• Food storage containers or an ice cube form

Nutritional Benefits

Chickpeas are very high in protein, which is excellent for little ones that aren’t yet ready to eat meat. They also contain manganese, iron, folate, fiber, and zinc. All of these are important nutrients for your baby to consume.

These peas promote colon health and energy in your child (not that they need any more energy). Overall, chickpeas are a very healthy addition to your baby’s diet.