Best Baby Hummus Recipe

This super quick recipe can be for the entire family! Packed with protein and nutrition, hummus is a great soft food to offer a growing baby. This modified version of hummus helps baby adjust to the ingredients before offering the authentic, complete recipe. Once baby is 12 months, you can add additional ingredients such as the spices that are commonly used in the Middle East.

Yes - hummus can be store bought. But like almost anything else, it’s not made with new eaters in mind. Hummus is made from ingredients such as tahini (sesame seeds) which is a highly common allergen. It also contains a good amount of chickpeas, which can create gas and fussiness in baby. 

If your little eater is prone to gas and constipation, I would suggest waiting until about 8 months or, offer hummus in small amounts such as 1-2 teaspoons so that baby can slowly adjust. It might also be beneficial to add extra garlic as this will aid in digestion and make it easier on baby’s belly. 

Offer your little eater hummus gradually, without introducing any new foods over a period of 2-6 days. This will help you catch any allergies with ease. 

Also be weary of the chickpeas you use - most canned chickpeas contain high sodium levels and preservatives. Make sure you opt for low or no sodium, and give the chickpeas a few good rinses before using them. 

All that in under 10 minutes? Here’s what you’ll need for a baby friendly hummus:

• Pre-cooked can of low or no sodium chickpeas (well rinsed)
• Lemon juice - start gradually. One medium can of chickpeas calls for about 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. You can adjust this once baby is ready! 
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed into a puree or fine paste so that it is not overpowering. 
• Olive oil as desired. One medium can of chickpeas calls for about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Be sure to use a high quality oil, preferably extra virgin. 

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Add the above ingredients into the 1-Step Food Maker Deluxe
2. Press "Steam + Blend" for 5 minutes.
3. Ensure consistency is aligned with baby’s needs (press and hold blend if needed)
4. Serve! 

Are Chickpeas Good for Babies?

Yes! Chickpeas can be a great option for babies once they hit that 6-8 month mark and are ready to take on soft solids. As we mentioned above, parents will want to avoid the sodium levels found in canned chickpeas, and/or may want to give the chickpeas a good rinse before using for a baby hummus recipe. The choline present in chickpeas is a healthy nutrient for babies’ developing brains, and the iron found within them helps support hemoglobin production, as well as boosts neurological development. When learning how to serve chickpeas to baby, just remember to blend until completely smooth– and make sure to get rid of those pesky shells!

When Can You Introduce More Spices to Baby?

Parents may be surprised to find out that many spices and seasonings can be implemented into their baby’s diet as young as 6-8 months! However, as we know, not many babies take well to the bitterness, tanginess, or spiciness present in many flavor profiles of spices, so it’s good to start slow. Some safe spices to consider adding to your baby hummus recipe, as well as your baby’s diet in general, are the following: cardamon, cinnamon, turmeric, paprike, and cumin. Note that not every baby will immediately enjoy these flavors, but that introducing a wider palette will help baby grow into a curious eater! Making hummus for baby is a great landing pad to experiment with, as chickpea puree for baby has a relatively neutral taste that takes well to many flavor profiles.

How Long Does Homemade Hummus Last?

If you’ve fallen in love with this hummus recipe for baby, it’s important to know how long you and your little one have to eat it before it’s time for another batch! This baby hummus, as well as all homemade hummus recipes, will only last up to 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator. But that just means you get to make more, and perfect the best hummus for baby by experimenting with different flavors!

Are you practicing baby led weaning? 

Hummus is a great dip to introduce to your little eater with finger foods such as apple, falafel, etc. Or simple as a spread on some fresh, soft pita when baby is ready! 

Are you vegan?

Chickpeas are very desirable for vegetarians across the globe due to the richness of protein, iron, fibre, zinc, folate and manganese contained in these tasty legumes. 

Hummus will likely lose moisture if frozen, but if you do end up making extras you can freeze it in an ice cube tray. Just remember to add a bit of olive oil when you decide to defrost. 

Hummus can be paired with many other foods such as beet or carrots. Once baby is 100% comfortable and in love with this recipe, try a different combination! 

Enjoy!

Aisha is a Pakistani Canadian mother who found herself looking for ways to keep up with home cooking as a new mom of 3. She started her Instagram @baby.eatts to share simple and nutritious meals that she makes for her experienced eaters Zenya (8 years), and Aydin (6 years), and her new little eater, Amiri (6 months). With her recipes and tips, Aisha hopes to help other moms have a fun, easy, and fulfilling journey with their newest member at the dinner table.