Spiced Prune and Beef Burger for Baby

This flavourful and moist burger is designed with your baby’s nutritional needs in mind. You can use any type of ground beef: extra-lean, lean, medium or regular. However, babies need to consume adequate fat for their growth and development so regular ground beef is a good choice for this recipe. When combining the burger ingredients, feel free to set aside some of the beef mix for yourself and add some salt for seasoning to your taste.

Makes 10 to 12

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner 

¼ cup (60 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats
3 tbsp (45 mL) hemp hearts (optional)
1 pouch (90 mL) prune baby food or unsweetened applesauce
5 pitted prunes, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) grated gingerroot
1 clove garlic, minced 
½ tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon 
¼ tsp (1 mL) ground cloves
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 lb (500 g) regular ground beef 

1. Combine oats, hemp hearts (if using), baby food, chopped prunes, gingerroot, garlic, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne in a bowl. Gently mix in ground beef with a fork (careful not to over-mix).

2. Gently form into 12 small patties, each about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Press a dimple into the centre of each patty. Alternatively, for kofta shapes, shape into twelve ovals (about 3 to 4 inches/8 to 10 cm long).

3. Grill patties and/or kofta shapes in a closed preheated barbecue over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, turning twice or more, until digital instant-read thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each patty reads 160°F (71°C).

Tip: If you don’t have a barbecue, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties and/or kofta shapes, in batches as necessary, for about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake in preheated 375°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until digital instant-read thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each patty or kofta reads 160°F (71°C).

Sponsored by: Canada Beef