1 Meal 3 Ways: Chickpea Fajitas

With Hamish now having started solids and George a hungry, growing toddler I’m working hard to keep up with their appetites. Cooking one meal three ways helps me master the art of family cooking, saves me time, saves me money and keeps everyone satisfied without having to resort to three different meals every single night. The simple act of every one enjoying the same, nutritious meal where appropriate is also an ideal way of cooking to help with transitioning your baby to family meals and avoid fussy eating behaviours/food refusal.

Tip: try our homemade tortilla recipe

Note: we have used a sandwich or grill press to cook the vegetables. You can also use the BBQ or a frying pan over medium heat.

Nutrition Note: Who wouldn’t want to sit at the family table to enjoy one of these fajitas? They’re a wonderfully nutritious and well-balanced family meal providing protein, carbohydrates, fibre, a wide range of essential vitamins and a moderate amount of healthy fats.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas
• 1 x 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Vegetables
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 capsicum, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 corn cob, kernels removed
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• avocado, flesh removed and diced (for guacamole)
• 1/4 cup coriander (optional for guacamole)
• grated cheese, to top
• 1/4 cup greek yoghurt to top (adult serving, optional)
• 8 warm tortillas (homemade or packaged)

Method

Step 1

To roast the chickpeas, preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a medium bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, salt, lime juice and olive oil. Stir in the chickpeas. Place seasoned chickpeas on the baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once during cooking, or until chickpeas are slightly crispy. -

Step 2

While the chickpeas are cooking. Chop your vegetables and coat in olive oil. Turn on the grill or heat the frying pan to medium-high. Add the vegetables, close the grill lid and leave to soften for around 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooked to your liking, remove from the heat and set aside. -

Step 3

To make the guacamole, combine the avocado and coriander and mash. -

Step 4

Baby serve: Fork mash or blend ¼ cup vegetable mix and a sprinkle of chickpeas together with a tablespoon of avocado until you have your desired consistency.
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Step 5

Toddler serve: To serve, spread a little guacamole over a warm tortilla. Top with a spoonful of the grilled vegetable mix and sprinkle over the roasted chickpeas. Tightly roll the fajita, sprinkling some grated cheese at the seal, and then place in the sandwich grill to toast. The cheese should help to seal the fajita creating an easy-to-eat meal for your toddler. -

Step 6

Adult serve: To serve, spread a little guacamole (and optional yoghurt) over a warm tortilla. Top with a spoonful of the grilled vegetable mix and sprinkle over the roasted chickpeas and grated cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and enjoy.
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