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These tasty, power-packed, dairy-free salmon balls are finger-food-friendly and an ideal way to help you meet your baby's recommend twice-weekly of oily fish. The omega-3s in oily fish are very important for the healthy development of your child's brain and vision.

You'll need a baking sheet (or a frying pan) and a food processor.

You can freeze the balls in a plastic freezer container, to thaw and use when needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge or leave out for a few hours at room temperature, and reheat in an oven preheated to 180ºC (fan 160ºC), 200°F/gas mark 4 for 10 to 12 minutes.

  • 50g kale
    trimmed
  • 50g fresh brown breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 3 spring onions
    chopped
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped dill
  • 100g butternut squash
    peeled and grated
  • 250g salmon fillet
    skinned and diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice

    Method

    • step 1

      Preheat the oven to 200ºC (fan 180ºC)/400°F/gas mark 6.

    • step 2

      Line a baking sheet with non-stick paper.

    • step 3

      Cook the kale in a pan of boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain again well, squeezing out the water. Roughly chop.

    • step 4

      Place all the remaining ingredients in a food processor with the kale. Whizz until finely chopped. Don't add salt for babies under 12 months, but lightly season for toddlers over 1 year old.

    • step 5

      Shape into 20 balls, using wet hands, and place on the baking tray. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly golden and firm underneath. Alternatively, sauté in 2 tbsp sunflower oil for 8 to 10 minutes, and drain on kitchen paper. Leave to cool before serving.

    Pic: Annabel Karmel

    From Annabel Karmel’s new edition of Weaning: What to Feed, When to Feed, and How to Feed Your Baby

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