I figure it's part of his quest to be independent. He wants to pick things up himself and is so over mama feeding him anything on a spoon anymore. Yogurt he can navigate on a spoon himself because it's sticky, but everything else needs to be bite-sized and not too messy. So today I am trying chickpeas. They are small enough to grab but not big enough to choke on. They are protein packed and as fun to pop in his mouth as M&M's. (Not that he's had any to date.) So here's what I put together today, from stuff lying around the kitchen:
Ingredients:
1 TB olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 12 oz can of chickpeas (garbanzos), drained. (Or you can soak, boil, and drain dried beans if you have the time)
1 tsp garam marsala
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup raisins
salt and pepper to taste
water
OK, so you put the oil in the skillet and get it simmering hot. (Not piping hot.) Add the chopped onion, stir it around, let it "sweat" for a few minutes. Add the garlic. After a pinch of salt and pepper. Now add the chickpeas and the spices. After cooking for a few minutes, reduce the heat to low. Add the raisins. Add a few tablespoons of water so that it won't burn but has a nice sauce to cook in. Cover. Go do something for about 20 minutes. When you come check on it again, your kitchen should smell awesome. Like Christmas mixed with Mona's in New Orleans.
If adults are eating this (or nut-eating kids), add a handful of chopped almonds.
Serve over couscous, or eat alone.
SIDE NOTE, POST-TATE EATING: These beans are also very fun when thrown into the air and squished into the vent.
water
OK, so you put the oil in the skillet and get it simmering hot. (Not piping hot.) Add the chopped onion, stir it around, let it "sweat" for a few minutes. Add the garlic. After a pinch of salt and pepper. Now add the chickpeas and the spices. After cooking for a few minutes, reduce the heat to low. Add the raisins. Add a few tablespoons of water so that it won't burn but has a nice sauce to cook in. Cover. Go do something for about 20 minutes. When you come check on it again, your kitchen should smell awesome. Like Christmas mixed with Mona's in New Orleans.
If adults are eating this (or nut-eating kids), add a handful of chopped almonds.
Serve over couscous, or eat alone.
SIDE NOTE, POST-TATE EATING: These beans are also very fun when thrown into the air and squished into the vent.
I didn't realize that Tate has become a "picky" eater. I have NEVER seen a baby eat the foods he ate! So, he liked the chickpeas AND they provided entertainment.....cool!
ReplyDeleteI think Tate may actually be in love with cheese and blueberries! Great blog.
ReplyDelete