Is it a bread? A pie? A pancake? In North Africa, the answer for this street food classic isn’t just yes; it’s lunch. Whatever meal you might want to serve it for, know that it’s a protein- and fiber-rich something, a chickpea bread for toddlers with a nutty taste and a custardy center that will remind you of tamago or a savory flan. Its simple taste and supple texture make it perfect for infants and for toddlers who prefer their food be pillowy rather than plump; it also couldn’t be easier to make, what with its basic ingredients and five minute preparation time.
Ingredients Overview
In this recipe, finely milled chickpea flour combines with simple spices, a beaten egg, olive oil, and a touch of Parmesan to create a smooth batter that bakes into a golden, slightly firm yet pillowy bread. The result is a child-friendly texture that’s gentle on gums and easy to chew, perfect for infants and toddlers transitioning to more solid foods.
Steps Summary
- Bake until fully set and lightly golden, then rest briefly before slicing into toddler-friendly portions.
- Preheat the oven and place a greased baking dish inside to warm while you prepare the batter.
- Sift together the chickpea flour, salt, spices, and Parmesan to fully combine the dry ingredients.
- Whisk in cold water, then add the beaten egg and olive oil, mixing until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
- Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven, stir the batter once more, and pour it into the pan.
FAQ
What makes this chickpea bread good for toddlers?
The soft, custardy interior and mild, nutty flavor are easy on young palates and gentle on developing teeth, while the protein and fiber from the chickpea flour help keep little tummies full.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use chickpea flour and ensure your Parmesan is free from any wheat additives.
What age is appropriate for serving this?
Once your toddler is confidently chewing and handling soft solids (typically around 12–18 months), this bread works well as a finger food or alongside other meal components.
Can I add veggies or extra nutrition?
Absolutely. Finely grated mild vegetables like zucchini or carrot blend well into the batter without altering texture much, adding extra nutrients.
Recipe Links
What to Serve With This Chickpea Bread For Toddlers
- Chili – A quicky and easy chili recipe for kids.
- Meatballs – Savory and protein-dense mini-meatballs that are perfectly suited for small children.
- Toddler Vegetable Soup (Ribollita)– A smooth, nutritious vegetable soup that complements the bread.
More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This
- Cauliflower Nuggets – Crispy yet tender veggie “nuggets” that make a fun, familiar finger food alongside chickpea bread.
- Zucchini Foccacia – A crisp and tender veggie-laden bread that makes a great accompanienment to any meal.
- Easy Flatbread – Cottage cheese and avocado combine for a high-protein and gooey bread ready in under 30 minutes.
Soft Chickpea Bread for Toddlers (Easy, Protein-Rich)
Description
This soft chickpea bread has a mild, nutty flavor and a custardy texture that’s easy for toddlers to chew and enjoy. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a protein- and fiber-rich option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep, Cook, and Assemble
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Preheat oven to 425. Grease an 8x13 baking dish or small baking pan and place in oven to warm up.
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To a bowl, add the chickpea flour, salt, garlic, cumin, paprika, and parmesan; sift until fully blended. Add in two cups of cold water, then whisk until the mix is completely blended. Beat the egg mixture and pour in half of the oil; slowly mix in the rest of the oil until fully blended with the batter.
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Once oven has hit 425 degrees, remove the baking pan; stir batter one last time and pour into the pan.
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Place pan on center rack of oven and cook until a knife inserted into the center of the pan comes up clear, roughly 40 minutes.
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Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.
Serve
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For infants and young toddlers, you can serve this as a main item on a lunch or dinner plate–it’ll be plenty filling. For an older toddler, serve as a side like you would/instead of, say, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
Adapt
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Try putting this bread between, well, bread bread, with a little ketchup on top for your child or hot sauce for yourself–it’s pretty tasty!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Serving Size 1 piece
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Protein 7g15%
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.2 mcg
- Folate 90 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
