I am in a new phase of making meals where I am introducing new foods to our baby while trying to feed both my husband and I. It’s important to me that Max is exposed to all different kinds of vegetables, fruits, proteins, etc. This is a wonderful concept in theory but also a ton of work when it comes to meal prepping and a double win if it’s a FODMAP safe dinner recipe that I can eat! I took a wonderful course from Feeding Littles all about baby-led weaning. I knew I wanted to incorporate BLW into Max’s feeding schedule but it happened sooner than I expected. Max turned up his nose to purees from the very beginning and would shake his head “no, no, no”. What can I say, he didn’t want to be objectified to baby food. HA!
It can be anxiety-provoking giving your baby solids which is why doing your research, being prepared (ahem, CPR course for anyone with an infant at home) and what foods you introduce are so important. These meatballs are not only hidden with vitamin-packed vegetables and lentils but are also tender and moist which makes it easier for him to eat. This makes it not only baby-friendly but a FODMAP safe dinner recipe too. A win, win!
Not only do I recommend making these for the family but I also freeze batched a bunch to have readily available for my baby. These freezer-safe containers are the perfect size for meatballs and also have labels included!
When feeding these to Max, I cut them length wise and have him explore and play with his hands. He absolutely LOVES them and usually eats almost one entire meatball (minus whatever fell on the floor).
Vegetable Packed Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
These meatballs are packed with vegetables that the pickiest eater will not mind!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of vegetables of your choice (I used carrots and red bell pepper)
- 1/2 cup canned lentils, drained
- 1 pound of lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ground oats (or bread crumbs of your choice)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (omit if for babies)
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Using a food processor, chop the vegetables until finely chopped. Add the lentils and pulsate for 10 seconds. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the turkey, egg, ground oats, basil, oregano, salt (if not for baby), and vegetables. Gently mix together and make one inch size meatballs.
- In a baking dish pour the chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. Add the meatballs into the dish and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through to 165 degrees.
Notes
Adding the chicken broth to the pan helps keep the meatballs moist and from drying out.
Serve these meatballs with your favorite pasta, quinoa or rice!
Keywords: FODMAP safe dinner recipe, meatball recipe, baby led weaning meatballs
Looking for other super FODMAP safe dinner recipes to make? Check out Thai turkey meatballs and turkey pesto meatballs for some easy weeknight dinner ideas!
