21 Delicious Baby-Led Weaning Curries - Easy to Prepare, Nutritionally-Balanced
As a British Asian mum, I had certain goals when it came to weaning my baby girl:
1. Top-notch nutrition
2. Yummy flavours
3. Culinary heritage
4. Variety of meals
Readily-available baby food recipes covered my first goal - #1 nutrition. But they lacked in #2 flavour, and more specifically, #3 my culinary heritage. Honestly speaking, my little one would mainly be eating a South Asian based diet - so why wean her with tastes and flavours that were entirely different to our palate at home? Boggles the mind!
That said, I LOVE different cuisines - Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Turkish… the list goes on and on, but prepared with my own little South Asian cooking twists. So all of these cuisines made an appearance in my baby’s weaning journey to keep her palate broad, and to fulfil my second and fourth weaning goals - #2 flavours and #4 variety.
Weaning goal #1 goes without saying - nutrition was the most important to give my baby girl the best start in life. So all of the recipes I’ve created are nutritionally balanced and delicious!
Weaning goal #3 culinary heritage, is where this post comes into play. I created tons of nutritionally balanced baby-led weaning curries, to help my baby’s palate get used to the flavours I would regularly feed her when she was ready for the big table. And seeing as I get tons of questions from parents about baby-led weaning curries, I thought I’d pop the best ones into a post for you.
So here are my 21 delicious baby-led weaning curries - easy to prepare and nutritionally balanced. Perfect to introduce after first-tastes have been accepted, with some suitable for slightly older babies and toddlers. Keep it flexible - let baby stick her fingers in the curry sauce and lick her fingers, pick up tender pieces of meat, fish or vegetables and enjoy munching them on her own. You can even offer a spoon - whatever your little one is comfortable with. Just be sure to supervise your baby at all times to keep self-feeding safe.
Enjoy!
1. Mixed Veggies in Coconut Milk - Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan-friendly
Suitable from 7+ months, this delicious creamy curry is full of hidden veggies - parsnips, cauliflower, green beans and sweetcorn. Diary-free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, this curry is has a low allergy risk, and will help broaden a little palate. The creamy taste comes from the unique taste of the coconut - no cow's milk in sight. The coconut milk is also a source of lauric acid - known for its immune-boosting abilities. Try the recipe here - Mixed Veggies in Coconut Milk.
2. Sweet Potato, Apple and Dhal Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan-friendly
Dhal (lentils) are a staple in many South Asian homes and are highly recommended for those following a strict vegetarian diet. The lentils provide a valuable source of protein that babies need for healthy growth, so vegan and vegetarian babies don't miss important nutrients from the protein-rich food group. Suitable for babies 7+ months.
This recipe is from my Easy Indian Super Meals weaning and family cookbook.
3. Veggie Korma - Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan-friendly
I love this korma! This baby food recipe was my daughter's first korma and quickly became a regular on our weekly meal planner. It’s simple, nutritious and another yummy recipe with the subtle naturally sweet taste of the exotic coconut. Coconuts are extremely nutritious - fibre-rich and a good source of vitamins C and E, B vitamins, iron and calcium. Try the recipe here - Veggie Korma
4. Zingy Pineapple Chicken - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
A fruity curry for baby - the key pineapple and coconut ingredients provide the delicious flavours of the Caribbean! Cooking with the chicken thigh meat (darker meat) in this meal means there will be higher levels of iron for baby to absorb. The coriander in this meal aids digestion and cognitive function. It's super-delish and another regular on the weekly meal plan. Suitable for babies 7+ months.
This recipe is from my Flavour-led Weaning Cookbook.
5. Lamb, Saag, Aloo Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
A hearty family meal rich in vitamin A (for a healthy immune system, skin and eyes); vitamin K (for healthy nervous system and strong bones), it's also anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and rich in iron. A real go-to comfort meal with oodles of taste and flavour! Try the recipe here - Lamb, Saag, Aloo Curry
6. Thai Chicken Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
A taste of yummy Thai cuisine for baby. The green beans in this curry are an excellent source of vitamin K, thought to play a role in building strong bones and assisting in blood clotting to heal wounds. Exactly what your little one will need when running around. Try the recipe here - Thai Chicken Curry
7. Sweet Fish and Fruit Curry - Gluten-free
A creamy, super-quick fish curry with just the right amount of sweetness and spice to tickle little taste buds without overwhelming them. This curry is protein-rich and packed with fruity superfood goodness from the apple, pear and banana. These fruits are rich in antioxidants and high in fibre, keeping little bowels healthy by preventing constipation. Suitable for babies 7+ months.
This recipe is from my Easy Indian Super Meals weaning and family cookbook.
8. Coconut Chicken Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
This baby meal is bursting with immune-strengthening ingredients. Fresh lemon and broccoli provide vitamin C, and the coconut provides a source of anti-viral fats to help keep cold and flu viruses at bay. In addition, the chicken is an excellent source of ‘essential’ amino acids (protein), required for healthy growth and development. Try the recipe here - Coconut Chicken Curry
9. Tilapia with Mango and Lime Sauce - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
Garlic, coriander, lime and mango - beautiful fragrant flavours to tickle tiny taste buds without over whelming them. This fish meal is sweet, tangy and protein-rich, excellent for healthy growth and for broadening little palates. Try the recipe here - Tilapia with Mango and Lime Sauce
10. Simple, Humble Dhal - Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan-friendly
Most-likely the most cost-effective curry known to man! This simple easy dhal is super-cheap, protein-rich, quick to cook - ready in less than 30 minutes, and rich in fibre and iron. Oh did I forget to mention it's also DELICIOUS! A perfect side dish to any family meal. Suitable for toddlers 12 months and up. Try the recipe here - The Humble Dhal - Vegetarian and Vegan
11. Classic Keema Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
A mouth-watering traditional curry perfect as a first meat dish for baby. An excellent mixture of essential amino acids for healthy growth, starch for energy and yummy bright green antioxidant peas. Cook this curry with any meat you like! Minced chicken, lamb or beef are all good – using different meats will alter the taste of this curry considerably. Suitable for babies from 10+ months.
This recipe is from my Easy Indian Super Meals weaning and family cookbook.
12. Chicken Karahi - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
The ULTIMATE family go-to meal. Flavoursome and super delicious, this is a must for your weekly meal planner. My little one would happily pick up the chicken cubes in this yummy curry eat them as a finger food making this a great baby-led weaning curry. Try the recipe here - Chicken Karahi
13. No-fuss Tandoori Fish Curry- Dairy-free, Gluten-free
Tandoori masala is a fabulous spice blend! It includes all of the key aromatic spices, and a few extras, so is super charged with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. The delicious masala also gives the fish and potatoes a unique taste. Try the recipe and watch the video here - No-fuss Tandoori Fish Curry
14. Curried Lentils with Squash - Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan-friendly
Rich in beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), this meal promotes healthy eyes, skin and immune system. The dried apricots in this curry are a source of iron, and lentils are a good source of protein and iron, so this is a great baby-led weaning curry for vegan and vegetarian babies from 10+ months.
This recipe is from my Flavour-led Weaning Cookbook.
15. Matter Paneer - Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegetarian
A South Asian vegetarian classic, matter (peas) and paneer, a commonly used unsalted full-fat Indian cottage cheese. Once only available in specialist Indian grocers, is now readily available at most supermarkets. Paneer is protein-rich and an excellent source of calcium, essential for building strong teeth and bones. Try the recipe here - Matter Paneer
16. Big and Small Kofta Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
The name of this kofta (meatball) curry was inspired by one of my little ones favourite CBeebies TV shows. And for obvious reasons – big kofta are for adults and older children, smaller kofta are for toddlers. Perfect little balls or protein-rich goodness your little one can easily pick up and eat with his or her fingers.
This recipe is from my Easy Indian Super Meals weaning and family cookbook.
17. Sweet Red Pepper Chicken Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
A sweet bell pepper along with garlic, ginger, onions and brown sugar form the unique curry sauce for this meal. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and B vitamins - great for growing babies! Pop a piece of chicken in between little fingers and let the munching begin whilst the rest of the family enjoy the same meal. Try the recipe here - Sweet Red Pepper Chicken Curry
18. Chicken and Saag Pasanda - Gluten-free
Spinach (saag), a dark leafy green superfood, is great for healthy eyes and boosting immunity, and is a good source of iron and vitamin K – essential for bone health. When teamed with protein-rich chicken, it makes a fabulously nutritious curry. Suitable for babies 10+ months.
This recipe is from my Easy Indian Super Meals weaning and family cookbook.
19. Thai Lamb Masala Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
Family meal full of flavour and suitable for toddlers from 12+ months. No tomatoes in this curry, instead the flavour enhancers include dark soy sauce and brown sugar. Delicious served with egg fried rice and perfect for growing active children. Try the recipe here - Thai Lamb Masala Curry
20. Lamb Curry with Sweet Potato - Gluten-free
Suitable for babies 10+ months, this baby-led weaning curry is an excellent, flavoursome and nutritious meal. Lamb is an fabulous source of essential amino acids (protein), omega 3 fatty acids, selenium, iron and zinc - necessary for good taste and smell senses. Combined with the benefits of beta-carotene (vitamin A) from the sweet potato, this is a wonderfully nutritious meal for baby.
This recipe is from my Easy Indian Super Meals weaning and family cookbook.
21. Masala Fish Curry - Dairy-free, Gluten-free
Delicious, tangy fish curry. The sharp, tangy taste comes from the fresh lemon in this recipe - combined with the tomatoes, is a superb source of antioxidant vitamin C. Break the fish fillets up into little pieces and let baby eat the tender little fish chunks with her fingers - a great baby-led weaning curry and family meal. Try the recipe here - Masala Fish Curry
So there you have it, my 21 delicious baby-led weaning curries. Remember, your little one is more likely to fulfil weaning goal #1 nutrition, if the meals you offer are #2 yummy flavours she enjoys eating. And offering flavours she enjoys within a varied diet (weaning goal #4), is more likely to lead to a balanced diet - again helping you to fulfil weaning goal #1 nutrition!
21 Delicious Baby-led Weaning Curries - Easy to Prepare, Nutritionally Balanced
