Grain-Free Mussel Fritters
Soft, golden fritters made with cooked mussels, egg, carrot, and almond meal. A gentle finger food packed with protein and iron.
Ingredients
Contains optional added salt for older eaters. Skip it for babies under 12 months.
- 12 each cooked mussel meat, cooked and shelled
- 3 each egg
- 1 medium carrot, grated and squeezed dry
- 15 ml parsley, finely chopped1.01 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 5 ml lemon zest, finely grated1.01 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
- 120 ml almond meal8.12 tbsp almond meal
- 15 ml olive oil, for frying1.01 tbsp olive oil, for frying
- salt (to taste), for over-1s and adults
- pepper (to taste), for over-1s and adults
Steps
Make the Batter
- Blend the cooked mussel meat in a food processor until smooth, with no chunks remaining.
- Crack the eggs into a medium bowl and whisk with a fork until well combined.
- Stir the smooth mussel puree into the whisked eggs until evenly mixed.
- Grate the carrot, then squeeze it in a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the excess water.
- Add the grated carrot, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and almond meal to the bowl and mix into a thick batter.
Cook the Fritters
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook one test fritter using a heaped tablespoon of batter, adding a little more almond meal if it spreads too much.
- Cook the remaining fritters about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and set. For over-1s, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Calories
- 140
- Protein
- 12g
- Fat
- 8g
- Carbs
- 6g
- Iron
- 3.5mg
- Calcium
- 45mg
Tips by age
Cut each fritter into small finger-size strips so it is easy to pick up and chew. Serve with no added salt for this age.
Choking safety: Ensure mussels are fully blended smooth into the batter and fritters are soft, with no firm or rubbery pieces.
Offer whole soft fritters or halves the child can hold. Encourage self-feeding and dipping into a little plain yogurt.
Choking safety: Keep fritters soft and break up any chewy mussel bits so there are no firm chunks.
Serve whole fritters cut into bite-size pieces. A squeeze of lemon over the top is a nice touch at this stage.
Serve as written alongside steamed veg or a simple salad. A light pinch of salt to taste is fine for this age.
Serve as written, two or three fritters per child, with a lemon wedge and their favorite dip on the side.
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