Baby Bites Salmon and Orzo

Creamed horseradish goes really well with salmon and whilst it can be fairly strong in flavour, the fact that the salmon has a natural sweetness means this is a great toddler meal.

Salmon is such a good source of brain food (rich in potassium, Omega-3-fatty acids, selenium and vitamin B12 to name a few), and coupling it with one carbohydrate and a couple of vegetables makes for a well balanced dish.

I serve here with orzo, carrots and peas - for ease and these can all be cooked in the same pot together. Also if you're not already familiar with orzo, it's a fantastic little grain which is somewhere between a thick grain of rice and small pasta - it's very versatile and baby Bridget loves it. 

Baby Bites Salmon and Orzo

Here's how:

• 1 small salmon fillet or half of a larger one
• 1 teaspoon creamed horseradish
• 1/2 cream cracker or slice of bread
• 50g orzo
• 1 carrot
• 2 tbsp peas
• Drizzle olive oil
• Few fresh dill leaves
• Pinch black pepper

Firstly place a large pan of water on to boil and the oven onto 180 degrees.

In the meantime peel the carrot and chop into small batons that baby will be able to manage and once the water has boiled place the carrots and orzo into the pan and return to the heat to cook for 10-15 minutes.

Now place the salmon into an oven-proof dish and spoon over the horseradish. Now crumble over the cracker for a bit of crunchy texture. Place into the oven for fifteen minutes or until golden brown on top. Once the salmon is almost cooked, place the peas into the pot with the orzo and carrots to cook for a few further minutes.

Take the salmon out of the oven to cool a little and in the meantime, check if the orzo is cooked to 'al dente' firm to the bite or in other words, soft but still with a bit of bite - as you'd enjoy pasta or rice. If so drain with the vegetables into a colander.

Return the vegetables to the pan and drizzle over a good teaspoon of olive oil and stir with a wooden spoon to loosen up a bit. Add a pinch of black pepper and some fresh dill leaves and dish up then placing the cooked salmon on top.