Firm tofu and polenta Provençal-style balls (dairy-free)A dairy-free recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months with allergies. Made with firm tofu and polenta. SAFETY: all ingredients are guaranteed milk-free.
- Finger food
- 12-36 mois
- Sans lait
Little dishes, big smiles!
- 🍽️60 gfirm tofuAlternative: tempeh
- 🍽️80 gcherry tomatoAlternative: kale
- 🍽️50 gpolentaAlternative: buckwheat
- 🍽️30 gwatermelonAlternative: peach
- 🫒1 tbspolive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil
- 🍽️3 gtarragonAlternative: oregano
- 🍽️1 piecesilken tofuAlternative: 2 tbsp apple compote
2 servings
1
- CHECK that ALL ingredients bear the Dairy-Free label
- Press the firm tofu to remove excess water (15 min)
- Cut the cherry tomato into quarters (remove seeds if needed)
- Cook the polenta in water (10-15 min) stirring often, then cool
- Cut the watermelon into small cubes (remove all seeds)
Wash and finely chop the tarragon
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature)Prepare equipment: bowl, cutting board, knifeCutting boardParing knifeKitchen scaleMixing bowlSteamer pot - Do NOT buy a product without reading the label
- Do not cut too large: choking hazard
- Do not leave tomato seeds (choking hazard)
- Do not give whole watermelon pieces to under 24 months
- Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys
- ⚠️ NEVER serve a product that may contain hidden milk
- Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking
- For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm)
- Test cooking with a fork: should be melting-tender
- KEEP PACKAGING of sensitive products to prove dairy-free
- Check LABELS even for 'obvious' products (e.g. polenta sometimes contains milk)
- Take out 30 min before for better incorporation
2
- Crumble the cooked firm tofu in a large bowl
- Add the cherry tomato mashed into a smooth purée
- Fold in the cooled polenta and diced watermelon
- Add the binder (silken tofu)
- Pour in the olive oil and half of the tarragon
- Mix with a wooden spoon
- Adjust the texture (polenta flour if too sticky)
- Shape small balls with oiled hands
- Place on a tray
Large bowlWooden spoonForkClean handsSmall bowl for rolling - Do not overmix: elastic dough
- Do not add too much flour: shapes become too dense
- Do not forget to shape tightly: otherwise it crumbles
- Do not make balls too big: max 3 cm
- Do not leave air in the dough
- ⚠️ Check that utensils have not been in contact with milk
- If the dough is too sticky: add 1 tsp polenta flour
- If too dry: add 1 tsp liquid (water or plant milk)
- Shape with damp hands: the shapes won't stick
- Make small balls (2-3 cm) for easy picking up
- Vary sizes according to age
- For 24-36 months: bigger balls
3
- Preheat the oven to 180°C fan
- Lightly oil a baking sheet
- Arrange the balls leaving 2 cm between each
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 16 min
- Check cooking halfway through (roll them around for even browning)
- Remove when balls are golden
- Let cool 3-4 min
- Test the temp with a finger: warm
- Serve immediately
Baking sheetPastry brushForkTongsTimer - Do not forget to preheat
- Do not overcrowd the tray
- Do not open the oven in the first 8 min
- Do not overcook: becomes hard and dry
- Do not use too high heat
- Do not forget to roll balls halfway
- Check cooking: fork comes out clean
- For 12-18 months: more moist cooking
- For 24-36 months: more golden cooking
- If browning too fast: lower to 160°C
- Roll balls halfway for even browning
- Remove when balls come off easily
4
- Prepare a fresh watermelon cube garnish
- Arrange the warm balls on baby's plate
- Add small seedless watermelon cubes around
- Show how to pick up the balls
- Serve warm
- Watch baby during the meal
- Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling)
- Put leftovers in the fridge
Baby plateSmall bowl + suction cupSpoonNon-slip clothPhone (emergency) - Do not serve burning hot
- Always remove watermelon seeds before serving
- Do not leave baby alone
- Do not put too many watermelon cubes
- Do not reheat several times
- ⚠️ NEVER add an ingredient with hidden milk
- Serve warm: flavors are more developed
- Watermelon cubes add color and hydration
- For 12-18 months: cut balls in half
- Silicone bowl with suction cup
- Offer 2-3 different sides
- Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction
