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By Anjali Shah on · Last Updated on
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Lentils, rice and veggies in a “stew” are one of the easiest meals to make for your little one. This baby lentil recipe in India is called “khichdi.” With some added spices for additional flavor, and a variety of veggies this is a one pot complete meal for baby.
When it comes to making homemade baby food, simple vegetable or fruit purees are the most common recipes you’ll find. But this baby lentil recipe is just as easy to make, and contains added protein and fiber with the addition of lentils.
You may introduce lentils to your baby as young as 6 months, making it an excellent first food. Lentils are one of the healthiest food to give your baby. They are a rich source of protein, and are high in fiber, iron, rich in B-vitamins, folate / folic acid, and magnesium.
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Babies begin to lose iron at around 6 months of age, that is why adding lentils to their diet is a great way to boost their iron levels.
This easy lentil baby food can be prepared in a crock pot, a pressure cooker, or let it simmer on the stove for hours, there’s very little prep work and a lot of downtime with this recipe. It was one of my kids’ favorite first recipes.
This is another baby food recipe you can make in bulk and freeze in ice cube trays, or store in the fridge up to 5 days.
The best part about this recipe: It can actually be served to older children and adults as well — all you have to do is increase the spices and don’t puree the stew. This recipe is a great addition to your baby’s diet — no matter how you make it you’ll end up with a delicious, healthy, one-pot meal for your little one!
Why This Recipe Works
- One pot meal for younger babies
- Great source of protein
- High in fiber
- Vitamins and minerals from vegetables
- Easy for little tummies to digest
- Staple food for kids of all ages
How to Make this Baby Lentil Recipe
Ingredients and Notes
Yellow or Red Lentils: I suggest using red or yellow lentils as they cook more quickly and also have a softer texture making them easier for baby to eat. However, you can use any type of dried lentils you have (green lentils or brown lentils would also be fine) but cooking time will change.
White Basmati Rice: You can also use brown rice, however white basmati rice breaks down and is easier for baby to digest.
Mixed Veggies: You can use a combination of any frozen or fresh vegetables you like. I like to use frozen carrots, peas, and broccoli. Add about 1/2 a cup of each frozen vegetable, but you can use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, butternut squash, or any veggies you have on hand.
Spices: This recipe uses common spices from Indian cultures like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. You can also add a pinch of mild curry powder for additional flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large Stock Pot, crockpot, or Instant Pot to prepare stew.
- Potato Masher or Hand Blender for pureeing the stew.
- An ice cube tray like Mumi & Bubi Traysfor storing.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Put water, lentils, rice or quinoa, veggies, and spices into a large pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer over low to medium heat.
Step 2:. Simmer on low for 1-3 hours, stirring occasionally. (Alternatively, put all ingredients into a crock pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours)
Step 3: Mash with a potato masher or puree with an immersion blender. Freeze in ice cube trays or store for 5 days in the fridge. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
Which lentils are best for baby?
There are numerous lentil varieties that come in many different colors. Each type of lentil has a slightly different flavor, texture, and nutrient profile.
Red and yellow lentils are best for baby: they cook more quickly and are softer in texture, making them easier for baby to eat. They have a lower fiber content than green, brown, or black lentils. But they also do not produce as much gas. They cook more quickly and have a softer, mushier consistency that your baby can easily consume. Green, brown, and black lentils are thicker and take longer to cook. They hold their shape more when they are cooked. So will need to be mashed quite a bit for baby to be able to eat easily.
Do lentils cause baby gas?
Yes, some types of lentils can cause gas in your baby when consumed in large quantities or with other gassy foods such cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. If your baby is prone to gas, perhaps, add vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or spinach.
Will lentils cause constipation in babies?
Lentils should not cause constipation in baby if they are introduced at 6 months of age or later. Also be sure to give your baby a good amount of water during the day to balance out any high fiber foods they’re eating to prevent constipation.
How do you store and keep this baby lentil recipe?
Let the lentil baby food cool completely. Pour the puree into ice cube trays. I like to use the Mumi & Bubi Trays for storing. Cover the trays with an airtight lid and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve to your baby, place a small cube in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. You can also store this recipe in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations and Substitutions
Use Different Vegetables: I suggest using carrots, peas, and broccoli, but you can add any of your favorite frozen vegetables. Just be sure that they cook down and can be mashed for easy consumption.
Leave Out the Spices: If your baby is not yet used to spices, you can leave them out, or alter the spices to suit your baby’s preferences.
Add Breast Milk of Formula: Instead of adding whole yogurt for serving, you can stir in some breast milk or organic baby formula. However, I don’t recommend adding the breast milk or formula before freezing. Instead, add when you are ready to serve to your baby.
Add Some Healthy Fats: Serve this with a drizzle of olive oil, organic whole milk plain yogurt, full fat coconut milk, ghee or melted coconut oil on top!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Baby Lentil Recipe
- Allow the lentils and vegetables enough time to cook down until soft and mushy. This will take several hours on the stovetop, or in the crockpot.
- Use a potato masher to puree the stew. Alternatively, you can place the lentils in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. It should have the consistency of a hearty soup or stew.
- Feel free to adjust the spices and consistency based on the age of your baby!
More Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes!
- 10 Easy Baby Food Recipes for Beginners
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- Butternut Squash Puree
- Carrot Baby Food
- Pea Puree
- Superfoods for Babies and Recipe Ideas
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5 from 1 vote
Baby Lentil Recipe: Veggies and Lentils Baby Food Puree
Lentils, rice and veggies in a "stew" are one of the easiest meals to make for your little one. This baby lentil recipe in India is called "khichdi." With some added spices for additional flavor, and a variety of veggies this is a one pot complete meal for baby.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time3 hours hrs
Total Time3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Baby Food
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 16 cups
Calories: 33.8kcal
Author: Anjali Shah
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried lentils any lentil is fine, I’ve used red lentils, yellow split peas, and “moong dal” which you can get at the Indian store
- 1 cup brown basmati rice you can also use white basmati rice or quinoa
- 6 cups of water
- 10 cups Frozen or fresh veggies I used 1 16oz bag of frozen broccoli, 1 16oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans), and 1 8oz bag of frozen cauliflower
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Pinch of Salt
- Whole milk organic yogurt optional, for serving
Instructions
Put water, lentils, rice/qunioa, veggies, and spices into a large pot on the stove.
Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and simmer 1-3 hours until it’s the consistency you like, stirring occasionally.
(Alternatively, put all ingredients into a crock pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours)
Mash up, freeze in ice cube trays or store for 5 days in the fridge.
Serve with whole milk organic yogurt.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Allow the lentils and vegetables enough time to cook down until soft and mushy. This will take several hours on the stovetop, or in the crockpot.
- Use a potato masher to puree the stew. Alternatively, you can place the lentils in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. It should have the consistency of a hearty soup or stew.
- Feel free to adjust the spices and consistency based on the age of your baby!
- This recipe makes 16 cups of food, which equals 256 tablespoons of food. Assuming your baby is eating about 4oz of food in each meal, this will make 64 meals for your little one!
Nutrition
Serving: 4tbsp | Calories: 33.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.3g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 2.3g
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