- Rinse 60 g millet under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Place the millet and 150 g water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook on low for 18–20 minutes until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the artichokes: if using fresh, trim and boil/steam until very soft (about 25–30 minutes), then remove any tough parts and chop finely; if using jarred/canned hearts, rinse and chop to make about 200 g of soft pieces. Aim for small, soft pieces easy for little fingers.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked millet and chopped artichoke hearts. Allow to cool to lukewarm. Beat 50 g egg and stir into the mixture to bind. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if it seems too loose, add a spoonful of cooked millet, or if too wet chill briefly.
- With damp hands, shape the mixture into small flat cakes or finger-shaped patties (about 3–5 cm wide/long) that a toddler can grasp comfortably.
- Heat 10 g olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Gently fry the cakes 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden and cooked through. Cook slowly so the egg sets and interior stays soft. Transfer to a paper towel briefly to absorb excess oil.
- Cool the cakes to warm or room temperature. Serve plain as a finger food suitable for baby-led weaning; ensure each piece is soft enough to mash between the finger and thumb and cut/present size-appropriate to reduce choking risk.
Summary
Soft, toddler-friendly millet and artichoke cakes suitable from 10+ months. Mild seasoning (no added salt) and cooked to a soft texture for easy self-feeding. These provide a mix of grain and vegetable in a hand-held form.
Storing options
Store cooked cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently in a low oven (150°C) or in a pan until warm; cool to a safe temperature before serving. To freeze: shape uncooked patties on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a labelled bag for up to 1 month; cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to frying time.
Allergies & Side Effects
Contains egg. Introduce new foods one at a time and watch for allergic reactions. Always supervise mealtimes and ensure pieces are appropriately soft and sized to reduce choking risk. If there is a family history of egg allergy, consult your paediatrician before introducing egg.