1. Wash and peel the carrot. Cut into long, thin sticks about 5–6 cm long and 1 cm thick so your toddler can hold them easily (soft but with shape for baby-led weaning).
2. If using frozen peas, rinse under warm water to separate. If fresh, blanch for a minute.
3. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the quinoa pasta and cook according to the package but reduce time by 1–2 minutes so it stays slightly firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
4. Steam the carrot sticks for 6–10 minutes until they are soft enough to mash with gentle pressure between finger and thumb but still hold their shape. Steam peas 2–4 minutes until tender. Drain.
5. Press excess water from the tofu using a clean cloth or paper towel. Cut tofu into finger-sized strips or small cubes that are easy for little hands to grasp. Option: lightly pan-fry strips in 5 g olive oil over medium heat for 3–5 minutes per side until lightly golden to improve texture and finger-grip; or bake at 200°C for 12–15 minutes.
6. Combine the cooked quinoa pasta, steamed carrot sticks (you can halve sticks lengthwise for easier handling if needed), peas, and tofu in a bowl. Toss gently with the small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Do not add salt; if desired, a tiny pinch of mild dried herb (e.g., dried basil) can be used for a hint of flavour, but keep seasoning minimal for 10+ months.
7. Cool the food to lukewarm. Test the temperature and texture yourself before offering to your toddler. Serve pieces sized for safe self-feeding: strips, small cubes and pasta shapes that are easy to grasp and won’t choke (supervise at all times).
8. During the meal, sit with your child and offer one piece at a time if needed to demonstrate handling. Avoid distractions and always supervise your toddler while eating.

Summary

A baby-led weaning friendly lunch mixing quinoa pasta with carrot sticks, peas and tofu for protein — soft enough to chew but with shape for grasping. Suitable for babies 10+ months who are exploring finger foods.

Storing

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat until steaming hot and then cool to a safe lukewarm temperature before serving. Do not refreeze after reheating.

Allergies & Notes

Contains soy (tofu). Check for any family history of allergies. No added salt for babies under 1 year; keep seasonings minimal. Always supervise eating to reduce choking risk. If your toddler has known allergies or medical conditions, consult your paediatrician before offering new foods.