Sweet and savory red bean pomegranate meatballs
Sweet and savory red bean pomegranate meatballs A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Sweet and savory red bean and pomegranate meatballs with cardamom. SAFETY: REMOVE ALL POMEGRANATE SEEDS WITH CARE, HALVE CHERRY TOMATOES (choking hazard), use very mild cardamom.
A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Sweet and savory red bean and pomegranate meatballs with cardamom. SAFETY: REMOVE ALL POMEGRANATE SEEDS WITH CARE, HALVE CHERRY TOMATOES (choking hazard), use very mild cardamom.
Difficulty Little dishes, big smiles!
🍽️ 60 g red beansAlternative: canned tuna in water 🍽️ 80 g cherry tomatoAlternative: chard 🍽️ 50 g brown riceAlternative: tapioca 🍽️ 30 g pomegranateAlternative: orange or kiwi 🫒 1 tbsp olive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil 🍽️ 3 g cardamomAlternative: parsley 🍽️ 50 piece plain yogurtAlternative: fresh cheese 2 servings
Melting pieces, perfect for developing chewing safely.
No major allergen identified.
May contain traces of gluten.
per portion
Calories 164 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbs 16 g
Fat 4 g 1
CHECK red bean freshness (or use pre-cooked beans, well drained) Mash the red beans lightly with a fork WASH cherry tomatoes and HALVE THEM (CRITICAL - whole tomatoes are choking hazard) Cook the brown rice as directed (25-30 min) Remove pomegranate seeds carefully (under water to avoid stains)
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature) Cutting board Paring knife Kitchen scale Mixing bowl Steamer pot CRITICAL: whole cherry tomatoes are choking hazard Always remove pomegranate seeds carefully Do not cut too large: choking hazard Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys Never use pre-cooked beans with added salt Always use VERY MILD cardamom dose Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm) CRITICAL: ALWAYS halve cherry tomatoes Never serve whole cherry tomatoes Always use VERY MILD cardamom dose (strong spice) Take out 30 min before for better incorporation 2
Mix the cooked brown rice and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl Add the mashed red beans and pomegranate seeds, mix gently Add the plain yogurt as binder Pour in the olive oil and cardamom Mix with a wooden spoon Shape meatballs with damp hands (diameter 3 cm) Coat each meatball with a thin layer of brown rice Place on a tray lined with parchment Let rest 5 min in the fridge Large bowl Wooden spoon Fork Clean hands Tray lined with parchment Do not overmix: red beans break 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 15 min Check cooking halfway through Meanwhile, prepare the cardamom sauce: yogurt + pinch cardamom + 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 sheet Pastry brush Fork Tongs Small bowl Timer 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 cardamom 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 pomegranate seeds remain + cherry tomatoes halved Prepare a fresh pomegranate seed garnish Arrange the warm meatballs on baby's plate Add small pomegranate seeds around (no hard parts) Serve the cardamom 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) Put leftovers in the fridge Baby plate Small bowl + suction cup Spoon Non-slip cloth Phone (emergency) Do not serve burning hot FINAL CHECK for pomegranate seeds + cherry tomatoes halved Always serve pomegranate WITHOUT hard parts Do not leave baby alone Do not reheat several times NEVER serve whole cherry tomatoes Serve warm: flavors are more developed Pomegranate seeds 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 
