Healthy Beet Hummus for Babies

If you ask me, beet hummus is one of those recipes that makes feeding babies so much easier.

This naturally pink dip combines creamy chickpeas with sweet, earthy beets for a nutrient-packed spread that little ones seem to love. The smooth texture makes it perfect for babies just starting their food journey.

It’s made with simple ingredients you can feel good about – like fresh beets roasted until tender, mixed with protein-rich chickpeas and a touch of tahini. A squeeze of lemon adds just the right brightness.

It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your baby, and the leftovers make a tasty spread for the whole family’s sandwiches and snacks.

What Kind of Beets Should I Use?

For this baby-friendly hummus, you can use either fresh red beets or the pre-cooked ones found in the produce section – both options work great. If you’re starting with fresh beets, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and have crisp greens attached (which is usually a sign of freshness). While golden or striped beets could work too, traditional red beets will give your hummus that beautiful pink color that babies find fascinating. When cooking your beets, you can either roast them wrapped in foil or steam them until they’re fork-tender – just make sure they’re cooled completely before blending them into your hummus.

Options for Substitutions

Making this baby-friendly hummus and need some substitutions? Here’s what you can try:

• Beets: You can use canned beets instead of fresh ones – just make sure they’re not pickled. For a different twist, try roasted sweet potato or butternut squash, which will give a similar creamy texture with a milder taste.
• Chickpeas: Chickpeas are pretty essential for hummus, but if your little one has a chickpea sensitivity, you can try white beans (cannellini) or even steamed cauliflower for a bean-free version. Keep in mind it won’t have the same protein content.
• Garlic: If fresh garlic is too strong, you can use roasted garlic for a gentler flavor, or skip it completely for very young babies. A tiny pinch of garlic powder can also work.
• Lemon juice: For babies who are sensitive to citrus, try a splash of mild apple cider vinegar or simply skip it. The dip will still be good!
• Olive oil: You can swap olive oil with avocado oil or even a bit of plain yogurt to maintain creaminess. If using yogurt, start with 2 tablespoons and adjust as needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making beet hummus comes from not cooking the beets properly – they need to be fork-tender throughout, as undercooked beets will leave you with a grainy texture that babies might reject. Another common mistake is not removing the chickpea skins, which can make the hummus less smooth and harder for little ones to eat – take an extra 5 minutes to pop them off for the creamiest results. When it comes to garlic, starting with less and adding more to taste is crucial since babies have sensitive palates – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s blended. For the smoothest consistency, try adding the olive oil slowly while the food processor is running, rather than all at once, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times during blending.

What to Serve With Beet Hummus?

When serving beet hummus to little ones, keep the dippers simple and easy to handle! Soft pita triangles or lightly toasted bread cut into strips make perfect vehicles for this pink dip. For babies working on their pincer grasp, try serving it with small pieces of soft vegetables like steamed carrots or cucumber sticks (just make sure they’re cut to an age-appropriate size). You can also spread this hummus on whole grain crackers or use it as a colorful sandwich spread for older babies and toddlers. Remember to always supervise your little one during mealtime and cut foods into safe sizes to prevent choking.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This baby-friendly beet hummus stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the hummus before putting the lid on – this helps prevent that dry layer from forming on top.

Portion: For easy baby meals, divide the hummus into small portions using an ice cube tray or baby food containers. Once frozen, pop them out and transfer to a freezer bag – they’ll keep for up to 3 months. This way, you can thaw just what you need for each meal!

Thaw: When you’re ready to use your frozen hummus portions, just move one to the fridge the night before. Give it a good stir once thawed, and add a tiny splash of olive oil if needed to bring back the smooth texture. Remember to use thawed hummus within 24 hours.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-650
• Protein: 18-22 g
• Fat: 40-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55 g

Ingredients

• 1 medium beet, cooked (approximately 140g)
• 15-ounce can chickpeas, no salt added, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon minced garlic, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (add more if desired)

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients for Processing

Gather all your desired ingredients, such as cooked vegetables, legumes, or even fruits if you’re crafting a sweet puree.

This step is all about getting everything ready before blending.

You might consider adding a splash of oil to help with processing and flavor.

Step 2: Process Ingredients

Place all the prepared ingredients into a food processor.

Start the processing, keeping in mind the desired texture you want to achieve.

If you’re making this as a topper for a dish, you might prefer a chunkier consistency to provide more texture and variety.

Step 3: Adjust the Consistency and Flavor

If the puree is thicker than you prefer, gradually add more oil until you reach the desired consistency.

For a creamier touch, consider incorporating a spoonful of tahini or Greek yogurt.

This step is flexible, so feel free to experiment with different add-ins to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Serving Suggestions

Taste your puree and adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve the puree as a topper on main dishes, or thin it slightly with additional liquids if you want it to function more like a dip.

This preparation is about having fun and catering to your and your baby’s taste preferences, so feel free to be creative!