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Cook broad beans until very soft, then remove any loose skins and mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher. Thin the mash with a little breast milk, formula, or water to create a thick, spreadable consistency. Serve the mash spread on a preloaded spoon for your baby to grasp, or smeared on a piece of toast or rice cake for easier self-feeding.
Continue to mash cooked broad beans and remove skins, but you can leave the texture slightly chunkier as your baby develops their chewing skills. You can also form the mashed beans into soft falafel-style patties or mix them into other dishes like pasta or mashed potato. If serving whole beans, ensure they are very soft and flattened individually to reduce choking risk.
At this age, you can serve broad bean mash with a thicker consistency that your toddler can scoop with a spoon or their fingers. Soft whole broad beans can also be offered as long as they are well-cooked and tender. Mix mashed broad beans into family meals like rice bowls, grain salads, or serve alongside other finger foods for a balanced plate.
Broad beans are an excellent source of plant-based iron, which supports healthy blood development and cognitive growth in babies. They also provide good amounts of protein, fibre, and folate, making them a nutrient-dense choice for young eaters. The combination of iron and protein is particularly beneficial for babies transitioning to solid foods.
Broad beans are not considered a common allergen in most infants. However, individuals with a rare genetic condition called G6PD deficiency can experience a serious reaction to broad beans, so if there is a family history of this condition, speak with your healthcare provider before introducing them.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/broad-bean-mash