Feeding Baby Lentils – Yummy Lentil Baby Food Recipes
Lentils are a perfect food for baby as they are creamy, tasty and oh so healthy! Lentils are a healthy baby food as they contain Iron, Protein, and are high in Fiber. Lentils also contain a myriad of minerals as well as B Vitamins. This tiny little legume will offer your growing baby a lot of important nutrients.
Preparing lentils for homemade baby food is very simple. To prepare lentils for your baby food recipes, simply follow the cooking instructions on the package of lentils and then make additions as desired.
You may also want to whip up a few of our simple lentil baby food recipes below.
What Types of Lentils are the Best Lentils to use in Baby Food Recipes
Lentils come in all colors and sizes. Some lentils cook faster and smoother while other are more firm and textured and take longer to cook.
Red lentils cook faster and are more smooth than other types of lentils. Red lentils are best for soups and purees and this makes them a great choice for baby food. It is thought that the red lentil will not cause gas as easily as other lentils because of the lower level of fiber. Red lentils should not be confused with Masoor Dal. Masoor lentils are typically sold split and they also cook fast and mushy. It has been my experience that masoor dal has a spicy flavor that red lentils and moong dal do not.
Brown lentils are those most commonly found in your local grocery store. I know that the lentils you find are really more like a khaki-green color but they are technically called brown lentils. Like red lentils, brown lentils will cook up mushy and would be a good choice for baby soups and baby food recipes.
Yellow Lentils (moong dal, mung bean – my favorite). In Ayurvedic medicine, moong dal is said to be wonderful for children, elderly people and those who are ill because it is so easily digested. Moong dal cooks into a nice mushy texture however you may keep these lentils “al dente” if you add a bit of oil to the cooking water. As with red lentils, it is said that the yellow lentils or moong dal tend to cause less gassiness.
Lentil Baby Food Recipes
Lentils with Carrots & Brown Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 3/4 cup of red split lentils
- 1/2 cup peeled and diced carrots
- 1/4 cup brown rice
Directions:
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 2: Check on the level of the water and add water as needed. The mix will be finished when the rice is done, the carrots are soft and the lentils have “melted”.
or
Prepare lentils according to package directions. Be sure to clean and sort the lentils to ensure that “garden bits” such as small pebbles are not present.Blend the lentils with carrots and brown rice as needed to create a texture acceptable for your baby.
Chicken Potato Lentils
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 3/4 cup of red lentils
- 1 smallish sweet potato that has been peeled and diced
- 1 uncooked chicken breast diced into small pieces
- Spices – Add some spices to this lentil baby food recipe; try a mix-n-match of garlic, lemon peel, pepper, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon
Directions:
Step 1:Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 2:Check on the level of the water and add water as needed. The mix will be finished when the chicken has turned to white and is cooked, and the sweet potato fork tender and, when the lentils have “melted”.
or
Prepare lentils according to package directions. Be sure to clean and sort the lentils to ensure that “garden bits” such as small pebbles are not present. Add small cubes or dices of cooked chicken, small cubes of cooked sweet potato or white potato and peas.
Blend the lentils with the above ingredients, as needed, to create a texture acceptable for your baby.
Apples & Pork Lentils for Baby
Ingredients:
- Cooked apple chunks
- Cooked pork tenderloin
- Lentils
Directions:
Step 1:Prepare lentils according to package directions. Be sure to clean and sort the lentils to ensure that “garden bits” such as small pebbles are not present.
Step 2:Add small cubes or dices of cooked pork tenderloin and cooked apple chunks.You can add 1/2 apple (cored and diced into tiny bits) to the lentils as they are cooking if you wish.
Alternatively, you can mix in some 100% Natural Applesauce to the Pork and Lentil mix should you not wish to steam or cook the apples.
Step 3:Blend together as needed to create a texture acceptable for your baby.
Baby’s Curried Lentils
- Fresh veggies (carrots, onion, celery)
- 2 cloves garlic
- Tofu
Step 1:First, sauté up some veggies like celery, carrots, onion and 2 cloves of garlic – and cubes of tofu too.
Step 2:Prepare Lentils according to package directions, set the timer for 15 minutes. Be sure to clean and sort the lentils to ensure that “garden bits” such as small pebbles are not present.
Step 3:Add the above veggies and tofu to the lentils that have been cooking and continue to cook.
Step 4:Add curry powder (more or less to suit your baby’s tastes – you can always set aside a portion for baby and then add more spices for the rest of the family.) Add a pinch of cardamom and coriander if you like as well.
You can also add diced tomatoes for babies who are not sensitive to acid and/or are 10 months old or over.
Cream of Spinach Lentils
You can make cream of spinach with lentils over brown rice very easily and quickly. This dish would not be appropriate for those babies under 10 months old.
Prepare Lentils according to package directions. Be sure to clean and sort the Lentils to ensure that “garden bits” such as small pebbles are not present.
Make the Cream of Spinach Recipe as found below and then mix with the lentils. You may also mix and then serve over brown rice.
Cream of Spinach Recipe (from southern food at about.com – my FAVORITE cream of spinach recipe.)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach
2 tablespoons finely chopped or grated sweet onion
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup plain yogurt
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons minced fresh basil
Directions:
Wash the spinach well, trim, and chop or tear it into pieces; place in a large saucepan. Add the sweet onion and garlic and cook over medium heat, covered, for about 5 minutes. Shake the pan frequently to keep vegetables from scorching.
Drain the vegetables well, then add the olive oil and continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, stir in the yogurt, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in basil and serve hot.
Alternatively
Make a roux (butter and flour paste) with 3 parts butter and 3 parts flour (usually tablespoons)
Add 2 cups of milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add sauted onions and garlic and/or spices and seasonings as desired – try nutmeg and pepper.
Cook the spinach in one pan, the roux in the other and then combine both finished food items to make a simple, traditional cream of spinach
French Lentils with Sage
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Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.
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