Let’s Make Some Black Bean & Veggie Patties!

As a mom of a growing baby boy I am always looking for ways to incorporate Protein into his diet. As a Vegan myself I am very familiar with plant based protein sources and black beans is one of the best. They add great flavor, texture and come packed with some great nutrients. I have made a few types of black bean based veggie patties for myself and thought they would be perfect for Baby Led Weaning. These patties are soft in texture and easy for babies to chew even with only a few teeth (my son has two bottom teeth).

Why Black Beans?

Black Beans are one of the best plant-based protein sources there is, I use them in my recipes often. The most obvious health benefits of black beans are Protein and Fiber. Protein and Fiber together are known to optimize the function of the digestive system. Black Beans also have a considerate amount of macronutrients and micronutrients that can help support your baby's development.

Ingredients:

• One Can of Black Beans

• 1/2 Cup Thawed Spinach

• 1/3 Cup of Breadcrumbs

• One Carrot

• One Sweet Potato

• Garlic Powder

• Paprika

How to Make Them:

Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. Peel and cut your Sweet Potato and steam it for five minutes or until the Sweet Potato is soft.

Put the thawed Spinach and Sweet Potato into a food processor or blender, blend until it is a smooth consistency.

Next you can peel and grate one Carrot and set that aside. Now you can drain and rinse your can of Black Beans and mash them with a fork or masher

Combine all of your ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.

Now you can form your patties and place them on an oiled baking sheet then into the oven for 20 minutes flipping half way through. I love to serve these with some Tomato Sauce and Nutritional Yeast on top.

Hope your little one likes them!

*My little one is almost nine months old so I like to make these with a little bit of texture with the mashed Black Beans and the grated Carrot. If you want to make these even easier for your little one to eat, add all of your ingredients except for the Breadcrumbs into the food processor with some extra Almond Milk and let everything purée together. Once it is smooth add in your Breadcrumbs, form into the Patties and Bake!