Vegan Baby Food Recipes Is your baby’s diet a little too meat-based? Learn to make vegan dishes for your little one with these recipes.
If you care about the environment, the animals, and your baby simultaneously, veganism may be an option. For many parents, that lifestyle choice would mean a drastic change in their eating habits and their child’s.
Vegan diets for babies certainly aren’t for everyone. But if you believe that plant-based foods are the way to go, there are ways to make them work. Tons of recipes exist online to help you create vegan dishes from scratch, which means no mealtime is ever dull.
It also means that with so many cooking resources available, you’ll be able to spend more time bonding with your little one instead of hovering over the stove or searching through cookbooks and recipe sites.
What Are Vegan Baby Food Recipes?
The term vegan refers to a diet that excludes any food or product from animal sources. Since babies are still developing and growing, it’s important to provide them with many vitamins and nutrients. That means that vegan dishes for babies need to be full of natural ingredients so as not to hinder their growth.
The Benefits Of Veganism For Babies Still, some parents believe that a vegan diet may require too much effort and sacrifice, especially when it comes to mealtime.
What Do Vegan Babies Eat?
But, wouldn’t you know it? There are tons of vegan dishes that can meet the nutritional needs of your growing baby. In fact, with animal sources limited in a vegan diet for babies, you’ll find that you make healthier food choices for your little one.
And with all the vitamins and nutrients provided by fruits and veggies alone, most doctors would approve of a vegan diet for babies.
Vegan recipes for babies usually focus on soy-based products and tofu substitutes since these foods are known to have plenty of calcium and protein.
8 Easy Vegan Baby Food Recipes For Baby
1. Blanched Vegetables Dipped In Tahini
The Best Way To Introduce Vegetables To Your Baby
Tofu is a popular substitution for dairy products, but it can quickly become bland if eaten without vegetables. Instead, try this recipe from The Vegan Family, where your baby will start to get familiar with a variety of vegetables as well as new flavors. This recipe is also good for busy parents since the ingredients are quick to prep and cook together.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Blanch the chickpeas in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain the chickpeas and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. For a more even crispy exterior, cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes once you’ve removed it from heat. Take out the pan, spread on a paper towel, pat dry, and set aside.
Age
6.5+ months.
2. Veggie Lasagna
Start With The Simple Stuff
You can’t whip this veggie lasagna recipe into a yummy dish for five minutes. But that isn’t to say that the word is difficult to make; it just takes a little extra effort during prep and cook times. You have to be prepared to put in the time and effort at the beginning of your meal preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 6 oz firm tofu
- 1 cup water
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Directions
Step 1. Slice the silken tofu lengthwise into four strips, then slice the strips in half, lengthwise. Step 2. Cook firm tofu and water together in a large frying pan (more than one if necessary) until all the water has evaporated and the firm tofu has browned.
Step 3. In a small bowl, mash the tofu until soft.
Step 4. Add red pepper flakes and basil to the tofu, mash together, and set aside.
Step 5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Preheat the oven 45 minutes before cooking the lasagna in step 6.
Step 6. In a lightly greased 8x8x2-inch pan, layer the tofu, zucchini, and spinach. Layer the tofu mixture over the spinach.
Step 7. In another pan or skillet, brown the marinara sauce you’ve made using the recipe provided online (link below). Spread sauce evenly on top of the tofu mixture in pan/skillet.
Age
6+ months
3. Curried Lentil Stew
The Ideal For A Healthy Savory Breakfast
Packed with protein from soy, this curried lentil stew is designed to be a hearty breakfast or lunch for your baby. The dish is also perfect for a quiet weekend morning or a day at home in front of the television.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup yellow lentils (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped kale
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Pulse all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Be careful not to over-pulse, or the mixture will become too thin. Season with salt and Pepper to taste.
Age
6+ months
4. Spinach Pesto And Tofu Bake
A Great Healthy Breakfast For Your Baby
This recipe starts with a traditional breakfast dish and then takes it completely differently. By using tofu, you’ll be able to have this dish for breakfast as well as lunch or dinner. The green pesto will also be easy for your baby to eat since it provides many leafy greens that most babies often avoid.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 block firm tofu (about 8 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil or buttery vegan spread
- 2 cups spinach, packed and lightly chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Salt to taste (optional)
Directions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2. Pulse quinoa in a blender until it is at the consistency of flour.
Step 3. Cook quinoa and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low, cooking for 10 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Transfer cooked quinoa to a small bowl and set aside; keep warm.
Step 4. Heat olive oil or vegan buttery spread over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet for two minutes or until hot.
Step 5. Break the tofu into small pieces and gently add to the pan while stirring with a heat-safe spatula. Saute until tofu is golden brown, then transfer it to a separate medium bowl.
Step 6. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
Step 7. Combine the spinach mixture and cooked quinoa in a large bowl; mix well to combine and set aside.
Age
6+ months
5. Zucchini And Butternut Squash Casserole
This Is An Excellent Recipe For Lunch Or Dinner
Juicy and tender, this zucchini and squash casserole comes together within minutes so you can get a healthy, easy meal on the table.
This is a great recipe to prepare in advance if you’re out of time but still want your baby to have a fresh meal. The dish can be cooked using the tofu and water method, or you can use the water method to cook the squash and zucchini in a skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup chopped butternut squash
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or buttery spread)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2. Pulse quinoa in a blender until it is at the consistency of flour.
Step 3. Cook quinoa and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low, cooking for 10 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Transfer cooked quinoa to a small bowl and set aside; keep warm.
Age
6+ months
6. Chickpea Omelet
Great For Breakfast Or Dinner
Tasty breakfast with a lot of protein, this chickpea omelet combines protein and healthy fats that will keep you full for a long period.
The recipe is also incredibly easy to make since it only requires a few minutes of work prep time and an even shorter cook time. This omelet will also please your baby since it has lots of flavors but is still mild enough that they won’t have to worry about a major stomachache.
Ingredients
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup water
- 2/3 cup roasted chickpeas (canned)
- 4 eggs
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1. Heat buttery spread in a large nonstick pan over medium heat for two minutes or until slightly melted. Add crushed red pepper flakes and salt; stir for one minute. Add water, occasionally stirring, until the mixture starts to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
Step 2. Add mashed chickpeas and eggs, stirring gently to combine. Cook, stirring gently with a heat-safe spatula for about 1 minute or until the eggs are completely blended with the chickpea mixture.
Age
6+ months
7. Quinoa And Veggie Stir-fry
This Is A Delicious Vegetarian Dish For Your Baby
Kids love eating healthy foods, so incorporating them into their diet is important from an early age. Luckily, this veggie and quinoa stir fry is a delicious recipe that will include plenty of vegetables while providing your baby with protein and some healthy fats. Serve the stir-fry with some whole-grain crackers or a whole-grain tortilla for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 block firm tofu (about 8 oz.)
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms, or any other vegetable you like (such as zucchini, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or celery)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2. Pulse quinoa in a blender until it is at the consistency of flour.
Step 3. Cook quinoa and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low, cooking for 10 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Transfer cooked quinoa to a small bowl and set aside; keep warm.
Step 4. Heat olive oil or vegan buttery spread over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet for two minutes or until hot.
Step 5. Break the tofu into small pieces and gently add to the pan while stirring with a heat-safe spatula. Saute until tofu is golden brown, then transfer it to a separate medium bowl.
Step 6. Add the mushrooms and saute until they brown around the edges and soften about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7. Combine the mushroom mixture with cooked quinoa in a large bowl; mix well to combine and set aside.
Age
6+ months
8. Swiss Chard And Ricotta Flatbread
Baby Will Love This Flatbread
You can make this tasty flatbread for your baby with just a few ingredients. You can either order fresh Swiss chard from the grocery store or pick it up from a nearby farmer’s market. Either way, this recipe is simple and will provide your baby with a ton of nutrients. Add a side of tomato sauce to compliment the Swiss chard, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped (can be purchased pre-chopped at the grocery store)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan or skillet for two minutes or until hot.
Step 2. Add cooked quinoa and saute for two minutes or until heated through.
Step 3. Add spinach, saute for one minute, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about three minutes or until spinach has wilted completely.
Step 4. Add mixture to a bowl and set aside to cool slightly; add ricotta cheese and mix well to combine, then season with salt and Pepper to taste.
Age
6+ months
Conclusion
I hope that my list of healthy baby food recipes was helpful to you. Please share any other great ideas with me in the comments section below if you have other great ideas.
A new baby is a huge responsibility, and I know that at first, you may feel overwhelmed and overwhelmed with your opportunity to feed your little one the healthiest possible food they could have.
That is why I wanted to make this list as comprehensive as possible; all of these recipes are healthy and provide plenty of nutrition for your baby’s growth and development.
