Baby and toddler recipes
🍌 West African tilapia and plantain stew
A rich tomato and red pepper stew with chunks of tilapia, ripe plantain and spinach. Inspired by West African fish stews, with the chilli kept for the grown-ups.
Makes about 3 baby portions plus 2 adult
Ingredients
- 300g Tilapia (skinless, boneless, in chunks)
- 1 ripe Plantain (yellow with black spots, peeled and sliced)
- 2 Red pepper (chopped)
- 1 x 400g tin plum tomatoes Tomato
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
- ½ tsp Thyme
- 2 handfuls Spinach
- 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil
Method
- Blend the peppers, tomatoes, half the onion, garlic and ginger to a smooth sauce.
- Soften the rest of the onion in the oil, then add the sauce and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
- Meanwhile, steam or fry the plantain gently until soft.
- Add the fish to the sauce and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until it flakes.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted. Check baby's portion for bones.
Serving it to your baby
At 9 months, give soft plantain slices cut into strips and flaked fish with sauce. Mash everything together for younger babies from 7 months.
For the rest of the family
Add scotch bonnet and salt to the adult share and serve with rice.
Storing and reheating
Best eaten fresh. Cool quickly and keep in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat until piping hot throughout, then cool before serving.
Weaning with OBubba
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat plantain?
Yes. Ripe plantain cooked until soft is naturally sweet and easy to hold in strips. Green plantain is firmer and starchier, so cook it longer.
Is tilapia good for babies?
Yes. Tilapia is a mild white fish that is low in mercury and flakes easily.
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).