Falafel broccoli--because why the heck not? Broccoli remains the star, I promise–well, close to it, anyway. But your child will hardly notice: he/she will be too busy crunching and munching away to realize all the green stuff and fiber (from the chickpeas) they’ll be consuming. It’s the tater tot equivalent of broccoli.
(Heads up: falafel is not a health food; adding a green vegetable to it doesn’t exactly change that. Still, I tried for you. Shape? Patty, not ball. Cook? Oven, not fryer. Oil? Well, less. Call it a good compromise: the taste and texture are mostly there; it is definitely easier on your toddler’s tummy (and your own). See the “Adapt” component for both an even healthier approach and quite the opposite (but more delicious).)
This batch of broccoli-and-chickpea patties transforms familiar falafel ingredients into toddler-friendly bites. You’ll use chickpeas, broccoli florets, mild spices, a touch of flour or breadcrumbs to bind, and optionally an egg or flax mixture if you want added hold. These small, golden patties deliver plant-based protein, veggie power, and a fun shape little hands can grab.
Q: Can I make these patties ahead?
A: Yes — you can form them and refrigerate for up to a day, or freeze cooked patties for up to three months. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture.
Q: What if my toddler dislikes broccoli?
A: Try finely chopping or pulsing the broccoli so it blends in more seamlessly with the chickpeas; you can also sneak in a small handful of spinach or kale if your child is used to greens.
Q: Can these be made gluten-free?
A: Yes — use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs (like almond flour or gluten-free oats) in place of regular binders, and ensure any breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free.
Q: How do I serve them for a toddler?
A: Offer the patties with fun dips like hummus or plain yogurt, and pair with soft veggie sticks or pita strips sized for their hands. Make sure the patties are slightly cooled and cut if needed into manageable pieces for your child’s chewing ability.
Beef Kofta Pita Pockets — Another lunch of champions, made from leftover ground beef.
Air Fryer French Fries — Crispy, lightly salted fries that complement the savory patties.
Tofu Orange Chicken — A sensible and delicious vegetarian swap in the classic Chinese American dish.
Toddler Focaccia — Easy to make bread--topped with zucchini and cheese--at home.
These broccoli-boosted chickpea patties are a nutrient-dense falafel for toddlers that stay soft enough for little eaters while still offering that satisfying, handheld bite. They’re freezer-friendly, quick to reheat, and an easy way to work in veggies without a fuss.”
Cook for 12 minutes. Remove from heat, pour. Return to your oven and cook for another 12-13 minutes.
Remove patties from heat. Blot out any excess oil; allow to cool. Repeat cooking steps with the remaining mixture, adding new oil into the pan as necessary.
For children between 9-12 months, serve the patty as is, with a spritz of lemon and, if desired or needed, a dollop of yogurt on top. For a toddler who may be rejecting broccoli and/or green things more generally, serve on top of a bun and present as a hamburger, either topped with your child’s favorite condiments and/or a quick white sauce of a spoonful of yogurt, a half of one of mayo, generous squeeze of lemon, and either more zaatar seasoning or cumin powder.
I promised a potential angel vs. devil option on your proverbial falafel shoulders. To use even less oil, but not taste as good, use your air fryer: set it to 400, line your pan with parchment paper, and form patties with the batter; place on pan, making sure to leave some daylight between the patties, and then bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 8-10 minutes. If taste is everything, and you don’t object to cooking in oil, follow steps 1-4 as written; when ready to cook, heat a shallow pool of oil in a saute pan to Medium-High. Form balls as directed but skip the baking powder and instead roll the ball in a bit of cornmeal before placing into the oil and smashing into a patty; cook for 3-4 minutes, until brown and crispy.
Servings 6
Serving Size 2 patties
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
