Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals from sweet potatoes and kale, and protein from black beans.
- Kid-Friendly: Designed to appeal to picky eaters, especially toddlers.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for convenient meals.
- Versatile: Suitable for babies, older kids, and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (yields 1.5-2 cups)
- 1 cup kale, torn and washed
- 1 egg
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Sweet Potato:
- Instant Pot: Place sweet potato on a trivet with one cup of water. Cook on manual, high pressure for 16 minutes. Remove skin.
- Oven: Poke holes in sweet potato; bake at 425°F (218°C) for about 60 minutes or until tender. Remove skin.
- Microwave: Poke holes in sweet potato; microwave for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove skin.
- Steam the Kale:
- Place a steamer basket in a pot; fill with water just below the basket. Add kale, cover, and bring water to a boil. Steam for 5 minutes or until tender. When cool, squeeze out excess moisture.
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a food processor, blend kale and sweet potato until smooth.
- Transfer mixture to a large bowl; add egg, bread crumbs, black beans, and paprika. Stir until fully combined.
- Form Patties:
- Divide mixture into 8 equal portions; shape into patties.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- When oil is hot, add patties in batches. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and let cool on a rack; repeat with remaining patties.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8 patties.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Cooking Time: About 10 minutes per batch.
Variations
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor.
- Cheese: Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar or feta for a cheesy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Individually wrap each cooled patty in plastic wrap; place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Unwrap and microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
What age is appropriate for introducing these patties to my baby?
These patties are suitable for babies around 10 months and older, especially those accustomed to textured foods.
Can I bake the patties instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and heated through.
Are these patties suitable for adults?
Absolutely! While designed for toddlers, they are flavorful and nutritious for adults as well.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and ensure the bread crumbs are vegan.
What dipping sauces pair well with these patties?
Avocado dip, yogurt-based sauces, or mild salsa complement these patties nicely.
Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives to kale.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well-combined and not too wet; adding extra bread crumbs can help bind the ingredients.
Are canned sweet potatoes acceptable for this recipe?
Freshly cooked sweet potatoes are recommended for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Certainly! Mild spices like cumin
Sweet Potato, Kale, and Black Bean Patties
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
SEO-Optimized Description: Delight in these Sweet Potato, Kale, and Black Bean Patties – a kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and nutrient-packed meal. Perfect for baby-led weaning, these healthy patties are simple to prepare and versatile, making them ideal for babies, toddlers, and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (1.5–2 cups)
- 1 cup kale, torn and washed
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potato:
- Instant Pot: Place sweet potato on a trivet with 1 cup of water. Cook on manual, high pressure for 16 minutes. Remove skin.
- Oven: Poke holes in sweet potato and bake at 425°F (218°C) for about 60 minutes. Remove skin.
- Microwave: Poke holes and microwave for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove skin.
- Steam Kale:
- Place kale in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture after cooling.
- Prepare Mixture:
- Blend kale and sweet potato in a food processor until smooth.
- Combine mixture with egg, bread crumbs, black beans, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Form Patties:
- Divide mixture into 8 portions and shape into patties.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Make patties gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Baking alternative: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Baby Food
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American