Soft chickpea and sweet potato patties suitable for baby-led weaning (10+ months). Mildly seasoned and easy to pick up — good for a dinner that feels like breakfast.

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
2. Peel the sweet potato and cut into chunks or 1.5–2 cm thick wedges so they cook soft for little gums. Toss the pieces with about 5 g olive oil and spread on a baking tray lined with parchment.
3. Roast the sweet potato for 20–25 minutes until very soft and easily mashed. Remove and let cool until warm but not hot; reserve some pieces unmashed for serving as wedges.
4. Drain and rinse 200 g cooked chickpeas (if using canned, rinse well). Roughly mash the chickpeas with a fork — leave some texture so the patties are easy for the toddler to grasp and gum.
5. Take about half of the roasted sweet potato flesh and mash it with the chickpeas until it binds into a soft, slightly sticky mixture. If needed, add a tiny splash of the reserved cooking oil or a little warm water to adjust the texture. Stir in a very small pinch (about 1 g) of ground cinnamon if using — optional and mild.
6. Shape the mixture into small patties (about 4–5 cm across) or into short finger shapes that a toddler can hold. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment.
7. Bake the patties at 180°C for 8–12 minutes to firm them slightly (they should still be soft inside). Alternatively, lightly fry in a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until just golden and cooked through.
8. Cool patties to a safe warm temperature. Serve one or two patties with roasted sweet potato wedges on the side for the toddler to self-feed. Ensure pieces are soft enough to squash with gums and offer appropriately sized pieces for the child to hold.

Storing options

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat thoroughly (until steaming) and cool to a safe temperature before serving. You can also freeze patties individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat fully before serving.

Potential allergies & side effects

Contains legumes (chickpeas). Introduce legumes gradually if not previously given and watch for any allergic reactions. Ensure pieces are soft and size-appropriate to reduce choking risk. Avoid adding salt or strong spices for under-12-months unless advised by a health professional.