Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and broth in an airtight container for up to 2 months. The cabbage may become a bit mushy upon freezing, so you can also freeze just the meatballs and add fresh cabbage when reheating.

Is this suitable for a 6-month-old?

For 6-month-olds starting solids, it is better to puree this soup or mash everything extremely finely. For 8 months and older, the soft meatballs and cooked leaves are excellent for practicing chewing.

Can I use pork instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground pork is very traditional for this Chinese-style dish. Just ensure the pork meatballs are cooked thoroughly.

Cozy Winter Napa Cabbage & Chicken Meatballs

Dairy-Free · 8m+ · en

This traditional-inspired Chinese winter stew uses seasonal Napa cabbage simmered until melt-in-the-mouth soft, paired with fluffy, easy-to-chew chicken meatballs. Perfect for baby-led weaning and toddler dinners on cold evenings.

Ensure the tofu is smashed very finely to blend seamlessly into the chicken; this is the secret to fluffy baby-safe meatballs.
Serve the stew as is, or spoon it over soft rice or plain noodles for older toddlers.
For family meals, you can remove the baby's portion first, then add a splash of soy sauce, white pepper, and salt for the adults.