Cozy Winter Napa Cabbage & Noodle Toss

Vegan / Dairy-Free · 6m+ / Toddler · en

Perfect for cold nights, this gentle dinner features finely shredded napa cabbage, soft sweet potatoes, and rice noodles lightly tossed in a drop of sesame oil. Naturally sweet and easy to eat!

For younger infants (6-8 months), you can blend the cooked cabbage, carrots, and sweet potatoes with a splash of broth into a smooth puree.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of toasted, ground sesame seeds on top for extra iron and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep the noodles soft.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Servings: 3
Age: 6m+ / Toddler

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Ingredients

Napa cabbage — 200 g / 2 cups · finely shredded
Sweet potato — 150 g / 1 cup · peeled and finely diced
Carrot — 100 g / 1 medium · shaved into soft ribbons or grated
Garlic — 1 clove · finely minced
Soft rice noodles — 150 g / 1 cup · cooked and chopped short
Sesame oil — 5 ml / 1 tsp · for gentle flavor
Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos — 5 ml / 1 tsp · optional, for mild seasoning
Olive oil or mild cooking oil — 5 ml / 1 tsp · for sautéing

Watch how it's made

Steps

Steam or boil the diced sweet potatoes until they are very soft and can be easily mashed with a fork. Set aside.
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are very soft. Drain and use kitchen scissors to cut them into small, short strands.
In a pan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the finely shredded napa cabbage and carrot ribbons.
Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is completely soft and tender. Remove from heat.
Toss the softened vegetables, cooked sweet potatoes, and chopped noodles together. Drizzle with the sesame oil and low-sodium soy sauce (if using). Serve warm!

Frequently asked questions

Is napa cabbage safe for babies?

Yes, starting around 6 months! However, small raw pieces can cling to the tongue or the roof of the mouth, causing gagging. Always finely shred it and cook it until it is completely soft and tender.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like orzo, pastina, or chopped spaghetti work wonderfully if you don't have rice noodles on hand.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Finely shredded cooked chicken, crumbled soft tofu, or a beaten egg scrambled into the pan all make great protein additions for growing toddlers.

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What you'll need

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