Lentils belong to the family of legumes that also happen to contain beans and pulses. It comes in three varieties, split lentils, whole lentils and split lentils with the skin removed.
Lentils are a great source of protein, but that is not their only nutritional benefit. Lentils contain minerals like potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and other minerals in variable quantities. They also contain vitamins and are highly fibrous. High fiber food helps in maintaining the regularity of the bowel movement, while protein helps in promoting the growth of the overall body. Vitamins and minerals, on the other hand, help in facilitating different functions of the body and contribute to the proper functioning of the body as well.
Therefore, it is of no doubt that lentils are a great food option for growing babies. Generally, parents and other adults introduce solid foods to babies between 6-8 months of age. This is the ideal time to include lentils in their diet too. Certain lentils like the red and yellow lentils are more beneficial than the others because they don’t form gases inside the body.
Lentils in Baby Food: 21 Nutritious Recipes
In this article, we’ll discuss 21 nutritious lentil recipes for your baby. They are healthy, tasty and easy to make. Here are the following recipes-
Lovely Lentils:
This is extremely easy to make, which is not only great for your baby’s stomach but is also great for their tongue as well! Below is the link to the recipe. You can use chicken or vegetable stock, depending on what you prefer.
Lentil Rice With Carrots:
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is great for your baby’s developing vision. This recipe combines the plethora of nutrients of both lentils and carrots, and the carbohydrates that the rice will provide. Carbohydrates are beneficial for your baby’s inexhaustible energy, so this can be a great recipe for you to make!
The link of the recipe is given below-
Chicken Lentil Soup:
Chicken is a great source of lean protein and when that is combined with lentils, they make a deadly combination of a high protein food, rich with vitamins, minerals and lots of other nutrients. This soup is extremely easy to make and is easy on the stomach too, so that both you and the baby are happy!
The link to the recipe is given below-
Baby Lentil Curry:
This is a curry recipe that kids would love because of the use of mild spices. There is a disclaimer in the recipe, which says that you can use spices depending on your child’s age and tolerance level for spicy food. However, we would recommend you to avoid feeding your baby spicy food, till he reaches a certain age and is older enough to tolerate that strong flavor. Nevertheless, this recipe is an easy one and can be served with rice.
The link for the recipe is given below-
Cream Of Spinach:
It is extremely important to include green, leafy vegetables in your baby’s diet. If your baby is over 10 months old, then it is safe to include spinach in his diet. This recipe is very easy to make, and combines the goodness and taste of cream with the nutrients of spinach. This dish can be served with rice.
The link to the recipe is given below-
French Lentils With Sage:
This is a gorgeous vegetarian recipe that is not only tasty, but also insanely healthy! This is appropriate for babies between the age of 8-10 months, and beyond.
The link to the recipe is given below-
(French Lentil with Sage Butter)
Apricot Lentil Soup:
Apricots contain an important antioxidant called lycopene, which helps in flushing out toxins from the body. Therefore, they would prove to be a great addition to your baby’s diet. Combining it with lentils would make it a super food altogether!
The link for the recipe is given below-
Vegetable Lentil Bake:
This dish combines the goodness of both vegetables and lentils. It is a sweet and savory dish, with mild flavors, which can easily be enjoyed by your child. It is a different twist to the usual boring vegetables and lentils that we consume daily. Plus, it is healthy because it is baked, so it is a win-win situation for everyone!
The link to the recipe is given below-
Simple Indian Dal:
Dal is the most simple and nutritious Indian lentil recipe. It is easily digestible, easy to make and is a healthy choice for both you and your baby. The ingredients are easily available, and it can be made in a jiffy.
The link to the recipe is given below-
Lentil Bolognese:
This is a vegetarian and can be said as a vegan version of the traditional meat Bolognese. This is a great option for babies, who are averse to meat initially or are advised to stay away from meat due to health reasons. It contains the taste and nutrition of the vegetables and of course, lentil as the chief component.
The link to the recipe is given below-
Lentil And Sweet Potato Puree:
Sweet potatoes are good to taste and when combined with lentils, serve as a great source of protein, iron, and fiber. This recipe is easy to make and great to taste too!
The link to the recipe is given below-
(Lentil and sweet potato puree)
Red Lentils Puree:
Red lentils are known for being cooked fast, are tastier than other lentils and tend to create less gas in babies. So this puree is an absolutely safe and tasty option for your little one!
The link to the recipe is given below-
Lentil Veggie Nugget:
Under supervision, this could serve as a great finger food for your baby. The link is given below-
Carrot, Walnut And Lentil Salad:
This is the kind of salad your kid will lick off from his plate! The link is given below-
(Carrot Walnut and Lentil Salad)
Red Lentil And Pumpkin Soup Recipe:
The link is given below-
(Red Lentil and Pumpkin Soup Recipe)
Roast Veggies With Goat’s Cheese And Lentils:
(Roast Veggies With Goat’s Cheese And Lentils)
Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes With Lentils:
Cheese is loved by almost all babies and kids unless your baby is lactose intolerant or hates dairy products in general. This recipe can prove to be an excellent side dish for your kid’s meal.
The link to the recipe is given below-
(Cheesy stuffed tomatoes with Lentils)
Lentil Burgers:
Roasted Capsicum With Lentil Risotto:
(Roasted capsicum with Lentil Risotto)
Rice And Lentil Dinner:
Rice and lentils are a very nutritious combo for little people. Make sure to cook them well so there are no tummy aches later, and then puree well. With carrots and apple added in, this meal has everything your baby needs.
The link to the recipe is given below-
Moong Dal Ka Halwa:
This is an Indian dessert recipe, which is not only unique but one of the most delicious recipes that the northern region of this country has ever produced. Fair warning, it is not very easy to make. But the end result is worth all the hard work you put in. For not only will it be the perfect lentil dessert for your baby, but you will be surprised to see it being loved and savored by people from all age groups. If you have a sweet tooth and want your baby to have the same, you should definitely give this recipe a try.
The link to the recipe is given below-
So go ahead and make eating a fun activity for your kid!
Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!
