Ricotta chard and grape Asian-style meatballsA recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Ricotta chard and grape Asian-style meatballs with cinnamon. SAFETY: check for lactose, HALVE GRAPES (choking hazard), wash chard thoroughly.
Little dishes, big smiles!
- 🍽️60 gricottaAlternative: chickpeas
- 🍽️80 gchardAlternative: red bell pepper
- 🍽️50 gcorn tortillaAlternative: quinoa
- 🍽️30 ggrapesAlternative: orange or kiwi
- 🫒1 tbspolive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil
- 🍽️3 gcinnamonAlternative: cardamom
- 🍽️50 pieceplain yogurtAlternative: fresh cheese
2 servings
1
- CHECK freshness of the ricotta (smell, texture)
- Break the ricotta into regular 2 cm pieces (finer for 12-18 months)
- WASH CHARD THOROUGHLY (sand between leaves)
- Cut the chard (leaves and tender stems only) into regular 1.5 cm cubes
- Cook the corn tortilla as directed (5 min)
HALVE the grapes (CRITICAL - whole grapes are choking hazard)
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature)Cutting boardParing knifeKitchen scaleMixing bowlSteamer pot - Do NOT serve if baby is lactose-allergic
- CRITICAL: whole grapes are very dangerous
- Always wash chard (sand can be dangerous)
- Always remove tough chard stems
- Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys
- Always use VERY MILD cinnamon dose
- Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking
- For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm)
- CRITICAL: confirm NO lactose allergy before serving
- ALWAYS halve grapes for baby
- Always wash chard thoroughly (sand is dangerous)
- Take out 30 min before for better incorporation
2
- Mix the cooked corn tortilla and chard cubes in a large bowl
- Add the ricotta pieces and halved grapes, mix gently
- Add the plain yogurt as binder
- Pour in the olive oil and cinnamon
- Mix with a wooden spoon
- Shape meatballs with damp hands (diameter 3 cm)
- Coat each meatball with a thin layer of corn tortilla crumbs
- Place on a tray lined with parchment
- Let rest 5 min in the fridge
Large bowlWooden spoonForkClean handsTray lined with parchment - Do not overmix: ricotta breaks
- Do not add too much flour: meatballs become too dense
- Do not forget to make meatballs compact: otherwise they crumble
- Do not make meatballs too big: max 4 cm diameter
- Do not leave air in the meatballs
- Always check yogurt freshness
- If the dough is too sticky: add 1 tsp rice flour
- If too dry: add 1 tsp liquid (water or adapted milk)
- Shape with damp hands: the meatballs won't stick
- Make small round meatballs for finger food
- Vary sizes according to age
- For 24-36 months: bigger meatballs
3
- Preheat the oven to 180°C fan
- Lightly oil a baking sheet
- Arrange the meatballs leaving 2 cm between each
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 14 min
- Check cooking halfway through
- Meanwhile, prepare the cinnamon sauce: yogurt + pinch cinnamon + 1 tsp olive oil
- Mix the sauce well and chill
- Remove the meatballs when golden
- Let cool 3-4 min
- Test the temp with a finger: warm
- Serve immediately with the sauce on the side
Baking sheetPastry brushForkTongsSmall bowlTimer - Do not forget to preheat
- Do not overcrowd the sheet
- Do not open the oven in the first 8 min
- Do not overcook: meatballs become hard
- Do not serve sauce too warm (kills probiotics)
- Always use VERY MILD cinnamon dose
- Check cooking: golden brown outside
- For 12-18 months: more moist cooking
- For 24-36 months: more golden cooking
- If browning too fast: lower to 160°C
- Test with a toothpick: should come out clean
- Sauce: serve cold to preserve probiotics
4
- FINAL CHECK: confirm NO lactose allergy + grapes halved
- Prepare a fresh halved grape garnish
- Arrange the warm meatballs on baby's plate
- Add small halved grape pieces around
- Serve the cinnamon sauce in a small separate bowl
- Show how to pick up the meatballs
- Serve warm
- Watch baby during the meal
- Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling - lactose)
- Put leftovers in the fridge
Baby plateSmall bowl + suction cupSpoonNon-slip clothPhone (emergency) - Do not serve burning hot
- FINAL CHECK for lactose allergy + grapes halved before serving
- Always serve grapes halved
- Do not leave baby alone
- Do not reheat several times
- NEVER serve ricotta to lactose-allergic baby
- Serve warm: flavors are more developed
- Halved grapes add natural sweetness
- For 12-18 months: cut meatballs in half
- Silicone bowl with suction cup
- Offer 2-3 different sides
- Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction
