7 month old backtracking with weaning

[ACHx3]

I started weaning my DD at about 5 1/2 months old, just starting on porridge and puréed veg, when she was 6 months she started on finger food toast, broccoli florets, carrot batons, fish & meat and she was fine didn’t have an issue loved her food. Now all of a sudden she is struggling to eat like gagging at nearly everything that’s chunky stuff like mince in sauce, crushed potatoes, pasta and she is losing interest. Has this happened with anyone else? I am still scared to death of her choking and myself only feed her soft puréed food really but my husband is really confident and try’s her with anything. Do you think it’s because she has a mixture and gets confused with swallowing? I know people say food before 1 is just for fun but I’m worried she will be behind with her eating. TIA

I know people say food before 1 is just for fun this is only true for MN, everyone else say how critically important it is for a child to try the biggest variety of food.

Your DD isn''t confused or backtracking, she is learning. Try to swallow a crushed potato without chewing and you will gag too. Food needs lubrication which comes from the mastication / saliva. You not only chew to break pieces but to make food wet.
You are doing the right thing and she will learn to eat a variety of texture. You don't eat only soft food, or only crunchy, but a variety and you have learnt by eating them. You put a whole crisp in your mouth but you wouldn't put a whole slice of toast. Yet if you look a toddler, they tend to put the whole food, and by gagging, they learn. Relax.
Between puree and crushed potatoes, there is a whole range of texture you can explore. Make a small sauce, have a bit of broth, and dip the potatoes or pasta in it and pick it up with the spoon and there will be the two liquid+solid combined, and it will encourage them to chew.
The speed at which she eats has also probably changed. At first they eat slowly and then more quickly.
You DH is right here to have her with you while you eat and if she shows interest, let her try real food, but make it small bites and try to have a bit of something wet, even a drop of olive oil, to help her eating eat.