Now that Lochlan has turned one (where did time go??), I’m trying to wean him from purees and introduce chunkier food, to encourage him to chew. Don’t get me wrong, he knows how to chew. But just prefers the purees cause he could finish it much quicker. haha So this marks the start to my new series of Toddler Eats! Hopefully it will be helpful to mummies out there who also want to try different foods and make them from their kitchen when time permits!
I decided to try making something I thought he might like! I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good meatball? Especially with the addition of cheeeeese! These are quick and easy and you could have it on its own or mix it with pasta and some homemade tomato sauce and viola! Meatball pasta!
Lochlan’s Verdict : 2 1/2 meatballs (together with other food for dinner and strawberries for dessert hehe). I think thats a not too bad start!
With the addition of cheese, you don’t even need to add salt to it. So it’s perfect even for babies from 10 months! Especially if you wanna do Baby-Led-Weaning. hehe Perfect finger food! These are not just for your little ones at home, the mr and I enjoyed it too!
So here’s the recipe, do give it a shot and let me know what u or your kiddos think!
Cheesy Chicken & Veggies Meatballs (A Food Made With Love Original Recipe)
Ingredients : Makes 24-26 meatballs
250g mince chicken (or meat of your choice)
2 stalks of spring onions, finely sliced
1 small carrot, grated
1/4 apple, grated
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 zucchini, grated
2-3 florets of broccoli, finely chopped
50g cheddar cheese, grated
1 egg
Ground black pepper, to season
(I’ve got a double yolk! Lucky me! hehe)
Steps :
1) Preheat your oven to 170 degrees celcius. Spray/Oil a baking tray/ casserole dish and set it one side.
2) Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl until well combined.
3) Using a tablespoon, roll the mixture into balls. Do note that the mixture will be a bit wet and sticky. Wetting your hands might help in the rolling process.
4) Place the meatballs onto the baking dish, and bake for 12-15 mins, until the meatballs are cooked through and/or slightly browned.
5) Serve as is or you could cook it in a homemade tomato sauce and toss it through some cooked pasta for a variety!
Enjoy!
P.S : You don’t have to grate the vegetables if you’re cooking for yourself or older kids and want more texture. Just finely diced them and it would be as delicious! Also you could always change the types of vegetables in the meatballs, find a combination that wins the most votes in your house! (:
Have a lovely weekend everyone! Remember to always cook and bake with love!
Till the next post, xx !
