Ground turkey, oats and grated zucchini make a meatball with a short ingredient list. The grated zucchini keeps it moist; aim for a tender piece that squashes under gentle pressure rather than a dry, springy ball.
Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Thoroughly wash and grate the zucchini, discarding very firm pieces; combine with raw ground turkey and oats using clean hands or a spoon. Do not taste the uncooked mixture.
Shape small, thin, flattened ovals on a lined tray rather than intact round meatballs. Add a small amount of water if needed for a moist mixture, and avoid packing it tightly.
Bake until the centre of the thickest piece reaches 74°C (165°F) on a food thermometer. The time depends on the size and oven: the displayed 18 minutes is only an estimate.
Cool, split a piece to check it breaks into soft moist crumbs rather than rubbery chunks, and serve as squashable strips or a moist crumble suited to eating skills.
Flatten or break the meatballs into manageable soft pieces rather than serving an intact round ball. Poultry must reach a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F); check with a food thermometer, because oven time alone is not a safety test.
This recipe is listed for 7m+, so the 6m+ field does not recommend serving it earlier. Within the listed age range and when your baby can manage the texture, serve soft meatballs slightly flattened for easier gripping.
Cut into halves or quarters.
None of the three ingredients is a major allergen by name, but check the oats and anything you add. No recipe can guarantee it is free of every allergen.
Cool untouched fully cooked patties promptly, refrigerate covered and use within 24 hours or freeze promptly where suitable. Reheat once until steaming hot throughout, cool before offering, and discard plate leftovers.
Cool untouched fully cooked patties promptly, refrigerate covered and use within 24 hours or freeze promptly where suitable. Reheat once until steaming hot throughout, cool before offering, and discard plate leftovers.
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations:
