Hummus Baby Meatballs | Iron Rich BLW Recipe

Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

These *NEW AND IMPROVED (UPDATED RECIPE)* Gluten Free Hummus Baby Meatballs are perfect for BLW because they’re iron rich, dairy free and egg free for those with intolerances!

One of the biggest concerns I hear from moms and dads about starting solids is the worry that their baby isn’t getting enough iron. Beef is hands down one of the best sources of iron with a high absorption factor, so for that reason I recommend that parents try to incorporate it into baby’s menu. Steak can be a bit tough so ground beef is often ideal, so meatballs were actually one of baby E’s first foods.

These gluten free hummus baby meatballs are awesome for BLW because they’re easy to pick up, tender enough to chew (even without teeth), but are also dairy free and egg free for babies with intolerances or restrictions.

key ingredients for these blw meat balls 

Hummus – I like to make a salt-free hummus using chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. The hummus not only adds flavour and moisture, but also acts as the “binder” in place of an egg. I often make my own hummus because chickpeas and tahini are so inexpensive, but you can easily swap in store-bought as well. I would just compare labels to try to find one with the least amount of sodium. If you’re going that route, you’ll need about a cup.

Ground Beef – I strongly suggest using a higher fat ground beef for this, because dry meat is a choking hazard for babe. I also prefer to cut them in half for Baby E. This not only makes them a bit safer, but is also a little easier for them to get into and eat.

How to Make Gluten Free Hummus Baby Meatballs

Then to make these hummus baby meatballs, you literally just add your beef, and give everything a gentle mix, rolling them into balls. You can set some aside from the older kids or adults in your family to add some salt and extra pepper, if you want for flavour.

I serve these gluten free hummus baby meatballs with a little extra tahini or hummus and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Sometimes baby E likes to practice his pitching skills and throws them like a baseball, but most of the time they go straight from his high chair tray to his mouth.

faq about this blw recipe 

are these meatballs freezer friendly? 

Absolutely! I usually make a huge batch and freeze a portion for when i’m in a pinch. These meatballs will last about 3-4 months in the freezer. 

can i use store bought hummus?

Oh definitely. I personally like making more own hummus and always try to have a homemade batch in the fridge to throw onto sandwich and to have as a dip. But if you’re just not feeling it and prefer to use store bought definitely go for it. Just make sure to compare labels and look for one thats is low in sodium. 

do you have any other blw recipes?

Oh yes! TONS. Here are some of mine (and Baby E’s) absolute favs. 

HEALTHY BETTER THAN MCDONALDS CHICKEN NUGGETS

EASY PEANUT BUTTER NOODLES

SALMON SWEET POTATO FRITTERS

SWEET POTATO LENTIL BABY FRITTERS

BABY LED WEANING EASY MEAL PLANNER FOR BABIES & TODDLERS

Gluten Free Hummus Baby Meatballs

These Gluten Free Hummus Baby Meatballs are perfect for BLW because they’re iron rich, dairy free and egg free for those with intolerances!

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 40 mini meatballs

Calories: 94kcal

Author: Abbey Sharp

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup canned salt free chickpeas drained and rinsed
• ▢ 2 tbsp tahini
• ▢ 2 small cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ▢ Zest of 1 lemon
• ▢ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for greasing
• ▢ 1 1/4 lb ground beef medium fat, if possible
• ▢ 1/4 tsp pepper
• ▢ 1/4 tsp salt optional for adults

Topping:

• ▢ Tahini optional
• ▢ Sesame seeds optional

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 F and put a baking sheet into an oven to preheat.
• In a food processor or blender, puree the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, oil and lemon zest until smooth.
• In a bowl, mix the hummus with the ground beef, pepper and salt if using.
• Grease baking sheet. Roll into about 35-40 one-tablespoon balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Bake for 10 minutes, flipping half way through.
• Serve as is or drizzled with tahini and topped with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 79mg | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.6mg

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Updated on June 25th, 2020

Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.