There’s something so comforting about a warm, savory meal that’s both nourishing and gentle on little tummies. These Soft Lamb & Apricot Patties are filled with subtle sweetness from dried apricots and the richness of lamb, balanced perfectly with a silky sweet potato mash.

Designed for babies and toddlers, this recipe focuses on soft textures and natural flavors – the perfect way to introduce new tastes to your child’s palate while keeping the meal wholesome and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 200g lamb mince
• 300g sweet potato
• 30g unsulphured dried apricots
• 50g zucchini
• 1 tsp fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the sweet potato. Boil or steam for about 15 minutes until very tender.
2. While the potato cooks, very finely chop the dried apricots and finely grate the zucchini.
3. In a bowl, combine the lamb mince, grated zucchini, chopped apricots, optional mint, and cumin. Mix well with clean hands.
4. Shape the mixture into 8 small, flat patties. The mixture will be soft and easy for little ones to chew.
5. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Gently cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Drain the cooked sweet potato and mash until smooth, adding a splash of water or breastmilk/formula if needed for the desired consistency.
7. Serve two warm patties with a portion of the sweet potato mash. Ensure food is cooled and broken into age-appropriate pieces before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

• For a vegetarian twist, replace the lamb mince with mashed chickpeas or lentils for a soft, protein-rich alternative.
• If apricots aren’t available, try finely chopped prunes or pears for a similar natural sweetness.
• Prepare extra patties and freeze them for up to a month – perfect for quick weekday meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 1025 kcal per batch

• Fat: 55g
• Carbohydrates: 97g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 46g