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Summer is here and it's time to get excited about a whole new collection of seasonal recipes!
Carrots are available and cheap the whole year round in the UK, as are chickpeas - especially in tins - so, specialist children's dietitian Angharad Banner has come up with a hummus recipe that utilises them both.
This recipe is perfect for getting toddlers and pre-schoolers started in the kitchen, learning about how food is made. You'll also end up with a hearty, healthy finger-friendly snack for children (from six months old) and parents alike.
Preparation time
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 300g of peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 tin of chickpeas, save the chickpea water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
Method
1. Boil the carrots until soft and then add the drained chickpeas and boil for a further 5 mins to soften
2. Drain the carrots and chickpeas and place in a large bowl
3. Add 4 tablespoons of the chickpea water, along with the rest of the other ingredients - this is the perfect time for pre-schoolers to help you count the ingredients as they go into the bowl
4. Using a potato masher, mash to a smooth consistency - lots of fun for kids!
5. Serve with thin slices of wrap or flatbread and veggies
Why is this recipe great for children?
Angharad is a NHS-registered children's dietition. She says, "Carrots are packed with vitamin A which is needed for healthy skin and to support our immune system.
"Chickpeas are a brilliant plant-based protein and tahini is a good source of calcium, which are key nutrients for growing children.
"This recipe is a great all-rounder if you are trying to cut down on meat as a family and provides the added benefit of extra vegetables.
"I love to serve it with some green veggies for extra colour and strips of wrap or flatbread for a perfectly balanced meal and one for babies to get really stuck into. Embrace the mess and fun!"
