Grain-Free Mussel Fritters

As it is 'book anniversary' week I am sharing with you a favourite creation from my Baby and Toddler Cookbook. You can also check out the video on Facebook and IGTV of me making these in the kitchen with the boys.

Mussels are very high in iron, which is crucial for babies. They are also one of the top eight allergens (shellfish) so babies need these introduced and then be given repeated exposure too. This recipe in fact has three top allergens - egg and tree nuts (almond meal) as well. It is important each of these allergens have been introduced in isolation first, just as explained in my book The Nourished Baby.

These mussel fritters are grain-free as one of my key guidelines for babies is to introduce grains at 10-12 months. You can read my blog here about this and of course find comprehensive research in my book too. They are a great finger food option for baby led weaning and I think even the big people in the house will find them irresistible.

Prep Time: 5 mins (excluding mussel cooking time)

Cook Time: 2-3 minutes

Makes: 10-12 fritters

Ingredients:

12 mussels, cooked

3 eggs

1 large carrot

1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Zest of one lemon

1/2 cup almond meal

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil to fry

Method:

Place cooked mussel meat into the baby food maker or a processor and whizz to a smooth texture.

Break eggs into a medium-sized bowl and whisk with a fork. Add in the mussel mixture.

Grate the carrot. Place on to a paper towel or cloth and squeeze out excess water. Place into the bowl.

Add parsley, lemon zest and almond meal. Season to taste and mix to combine with a spoon.

Heat a frypan on a medium heat, add oil and reduce heat down to low. Cook one fritter first just to test texture. You can always add a little more almond meal if necessary. One large heaped tablespoon per fritter mixture works well. Cook until golden on each side.

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Below are some photos of Ray-Ray enjoying these with Sahan after making them on the video!

Baby feeding can be messy right!! I used pre-cooked mussels in this (we are in lockdown!) which is still fine. If you are unsure of how to prepare fresh mussels and/or looking for another family-friendly mussel recipe, check out the one I have in my book Slow Cooked.

For more baby, toddler and family friendly recipes like this do check out my Baby and Toddler Cookbook, along with my other cookbooks too - all can be found here.

x Dr Julie