Black Bean Taco Fritters {Baby Led Weaning}

These one blender Black Bean Taco Fritters are a great baby-led weaning recipe! They are easy to make and the wholesome ingredients are packed with flavors too. Your little ones are going to love this recipe!

Right now, my favorite thing to do in the kitchen is cooking food for Oliver, my 11-month-old son (at the time of this post written), and this black bean taco fritters recipe is our newest favorite! 

These black bean fritters are a hit for not only the little ones in your life, but for the whole family as well! 

If you’re looking for more baby-led weaning friendly recipes, try my other baby-led weaning, Edamame Fritters. 

Why I love these Fritters

There are so many reasons to love this black bean fritter recipe. Here are just a few! 

1. Packed With Wholesome Ingredients
2. Made in One blender
   They are so easy to make. Simply add all your ingredients to a blender and pour it into a hot pan, fry, and serve! Simple as that!
3. Endless Variations
   These Mexican inspired fritters can be made in a variety of ways. Switch out the beans for another legume, change out the veggies, and add different flavors. The basic concept stays the same but the flavor can be different according to your personal preference. 
4. Great Meal Prep
   I love making these taco fritters in advance. Make a big batch and serve it all week with different sides and toppings. These fritters are also super freezer friendly! 
5. Perfect for Different Flavors and Textures
   I love to top the baby led weaning fritters with all different spreads. Almond butter, tahini, avocado, or some unsalted butter.

Freezer Friendly Black Bean Taco Fritters

These black bean fritters are super freezer-friendly, which is so perfect for all the busy days ahead where you just need to reach into the freezer and reheat something quick and delicious for the picky little eaters (or for yourself, trust me, you won’t like me when I’m hangry). 

This batch makes about 8-10 fritters and I usually serve some right away. You can keep one half in the fridge for the following days, and freeze the other half for whenever the time is right. 

I like to freeze them separately by laying them flat on a baking sheet. When they are partially frozen (after 2-3 hours), I transfer them to a zip lock bag or an air-tight container. The black bean taco fritters can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

With these in the freezer, you know your kid will still have a simple meal or snack any day of the week, even when you don’t have the time or energy to cook. 

Ingredients for BLW Black Bean Taco Fritters

These delicious and wholesome baby-led weaning fritters are made with real food ingredients that are good for both you and your baby. All that’s needed are 6 ingredients plus spices. 

• Black beans (canned, salt free)
• Egg – acts as a binder and also adds protein to the recipe.
• Fresh cilantro – amazing flavor booster
• Onion – adds great depth of flavor and is essential is savory Mexican inspired dishes
• Gluten free corn meal (or all-purpose flour or oat flour) – acts as a binder
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Baking powder
• Optional: Bell pepper

How to make these Black Bean Taco Fritters in ONE blender

Start with rinsing and draining the black beans thoroughly, you will want to strain them in a finish mesh colander and when the water runs predominantly clear, you’re good to go.

Then, roughly chop the onion and sauté it in a pan on medium heat with 1 tbsp of oil until fragrant and somewhat softened.

Next, you will add those sautéed onions along with your eggs, black beans, cilantro, cornmeal, baking powder and your spices into a food processor. Pulse everything together until everything is combined well. It should almost emulate somewhat of a paste.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium to low heat.

Form your fritters into the size you know is appropriate for your child. If they prefers smaller discs, make them smaller. If you are making these fritters for yourself, feel free to adjust the amount you use for your appetite.

(Oliver’s fritters sizes are getting bigger as his appetite grows).

Flip your fritters after cooking for about 1 minute per side. Cook for another couple minutes until the middle is no longer soft to the touch and done all the way through. I love getting a nice crisp on each side! And look at that, viola, you’re done!

Some Substitutions for These Mexican Inspired Fritters

As mentioned above, these fritters can be made in endless amounts of ways. However, some of the most simple ways to change up these fritters are by using a different flour.

I like using oat flour and all-purpose flour as well, but feel free to use what you have on hand, no need to worry about doing it exactly like I do.

Customizing your seasonings is also an easy way to change them up. You can add more or less of the spice based on your little one’s taste and also change them out depending on what kind of flavor profile you would like. All different kinds of herbs are great when seasoning your baby’s food. 

For an adult-friendly black bean taco fritter, add some salt!

Usually, I take out Oliver’s portion of the food, then I will start adding salt to Tom and I’s part. And honestly, that’s how I cook most of our food nowadays. It’s helpful because I’m not making multiple meals and Oliver gets to eat a toned down version with less sodium while still participating in baby led weaning at family meal time.

How to Serve Black Bean Fritters

If you’re short on time and don’t want the hassle of making a topping or sauce for your meal, you can serve these Mexican inspired black bean taco fritter as it is! 

These taco fritters are like a whole meal packed into one fritter. That’s how amazing they are! 

However, why not top them with some avocado (guac and roll baby)? Everyone knows tacos go great with some guacamole.

Or you could top with a smudged hard-boiled egg yolk if that is something you know your baby likes and can handle. My mom was always telling me to give Ollie half an egg yolk every day, that’s what they did for me and my brother growing up.

How to Store the Baby-led Weaning Fritters

Store the fritters in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 days. Heat for 15– 20 seconds before serving.

They are perfect for freezing!  

You can store the black bean fritters in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Heat up for 30 – 40 seconds or until completely soft but not burning hot before serving. 

Good luck with your baby-led weaning journey! Is there any recipe you would like me to make baby-friendly? Please let me know in the comments below! 

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