Mini Fish Burgers
These are best with mild fish, such as cod or tilapia
This spud's for you: Sweet potatoes aren't just for pies anymore. Fat-free and cholesterol-free, sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, amino acids, and other nutrients. And babies love their sweetness, from a jar or from the oven. They're also a tasty, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare alternative to the basic baked spud. Try this recipe adapted from the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and look for more delicious ideas at www.ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Easy tips to bring out the seafood lover in your child
PREP: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6
Cooking spray
1 lb fillet of cod, sea bass, or any firm white fish
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
1 cup canned white beans
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Mini–whole-wheat buns or rolls
Romaine lettuce
Tomato slices
Tartar sauce
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spritz baking pan with cooking spray, and add fish. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Bake until flaky, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove fish from oven; leave oven on.
2. In a food processor, puree white beans, parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and bread crumbs. Process for 1 minute. (If you don't have a processor, use a potato masher instead.) Place bean mixture into a large bowl with the egg; crumble in fish. Gently mix with your hands until it's incorporated. Then form into 8 small patties.
3. Coat an ovenproof skillet with cooking spray and put over medium heat. Add burgers. Cook until brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip cakes carefully, and place in oven for 5 minutes.
4. Serve on mini-buns with lettuce, tomatoes, and tartar sauce.
Quickie-side suggestion: Try oven-roasted sweet potatoes. Slice peeled potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
Ideas for picky eaters: These burgers are a great way to intro kids to fish; letting them make their own patties and assemble the finished burgers often increases the appeal.