Lentil Baby Food Recipe Is healthy and easy to make. Even if you don’t like lentils, this recipe has great reviews. It is a quick recipe to make on a busy night or as something fun for the family.
Lentil recipes are healthy, budget-friendly, and packed with protein, fiber, and iron – all key nutrients for kids! They are also an excellent source of folate, which can help ward off congenital disabilities such as spina bifida or neural tube defects.
How To Make Lentil Baby Food Recipe?
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dried green lentils
- 2 cups water or breast milk (if your baby eats cereals)
- 1/2-1 cup rice cereal (optional)
Directions
Step 1. Wash the lentils thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Add the lentils with water in a medium saucepan, bring to boil, then simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until soft. 1/2 cup of cooked rice cereal can be added to the lentil mixture if you like a smoother consistency.
Step 2. Once the lentils are cooked through, add them to a blender or food processor and 1 cup of breast milk (or formula) and puree until smooth.
Step 3 . Once pureed, pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step 4. Serve! Use an ice cube tray to serve bite-sized portions.
Tip
You can use either water or breast milk (or formula) for cooking the lentils. Still, I prefer using breast milk since it is more nutritious and contains antibodies, enzymes, and growth factors naturally found in a mother’s breastmilk.
If your baby has any allergies to dairy, you may consider using an alternative such as almond or coconut milk.
Why Use A Blender or Food Processor To Make it Easier To Digest?
Blenders and food processors can do much more than chopping, pureeing, or making smoothies. They are great for making baby food!
They both break down foods into tiny particles that babies easily digest. The blades inside the appliances tear apart the tougher fibers in leafy greens and vegetables while still keeping the nutrients intact. You can use them to make healthy, fresh homemade baby food for your little one.
I recommend using a mini food processor or a travel blender like this Baby Bullet. Both are great for making small portions of baby food.
Tip
Ensure you don’t overfill the blender or food processor because it may leak out when you are blending, and you don’t want to make a big mess. I recommend filling halfway with juice and then adding the rest of your ingredients, half at a time.
Can I give my baby pureed lentils?
Yes. You can give your baby pureed lentils as soon as they are ready for solid foods – usually within the first 6-7 months of their life. Lentils are great first food, and even babies who are used to being fed infant formula should have no problems digesting them.
What Foods Can I Mix With My Baby’s Pureed Lentil Food?
You can mix your baby’s pureed lentils with other fruits, vegetables, and cereals to make it more nutritious and delicious.
Mix baby’s pureed lentils with diced fresh sweet potatoes or cooked carrots. Add a tiny bit of cooked brown rice or pasta for added flavor and nutrition.
Add a dash of cinnamon to baby’s pureed lentil food to give it an extra spicy kick! You can also add some blackstrap molasses to make it sweeter.
Add some avocado to the baby’s pureed lentils for a creamy smooth consistency. You can also add a dash of banana or sweet potato puree to spice it up.
How Can I Store Lentil Baby Food Recipe?
Store it in the refrigerator once you have made your baby’s pureed lentil food. It will last for up to 5 days and can be frozen for 3 months. You can also freeze individual portions for later use.
You can serve your baby’s pureed lentil food using an ice cube tray. Pop a cube in a bottle for lunch and let your baby slurp it up.
Conclusion
Lentils are a great food to start with. You can get the kids used to them quickly, and they are easy to digest. Once your baby is used to having lentils, you can mix other foods in or introduce different foods to his diet. Lentils are inexpensive, cook fast and freeze well, so they’re worth stocking upon.
You can also buy them dried and keep them on hand when you need a quick meal. Once cooked, store them in the refrigerator for no more than three days and add about ½ cup of milk. Then pour the lentil mix into a colander and drain off the excess milk before serving to your child.
