Lentils for baby? Absolutely! While lentils can be a little bland on their own, I’ve found two easy ways to make them more appealing to little eaters. For a smooth puree, cook the lentils with a few carrots and a pinch of mild curry powder to bring in some extra flavor. For baby-led weaning, cook the lentils until tender, then lightly mash them with cooked carrots, avocado, or plain yogurt for a texture that’s easier for baby to scoop up and explore. Both options are great for babies 6+ months who are ready to start solids!

Blue baby plate on my kitchen counter with spoons and a jar showing how to serve lentils to baby.

Lentils for Baby Video

Over the years of feeding babies, I’ve learned that serving lentils can be a little tricky. The biggest challenge? Giving them a flavor your baby will actually want to eat!

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, but let’s be honest: on their own, they’re not exactly exciting. The good news? A few simple additions can make all the difference. I like to cook them with carrots (sweet potatoes or apples work, too!) and add a dash of seasoning for a simple but flavorful baby puree. My go-to spices include mild curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, garam masala, and even a little freshly grated ginger. Try one, mix and match, or see which flavors your baby enjoys most!

For baby-led weaning, you can cook the lentils the same way, then lightly mash them before serving. This makes them easier for baby to scoop up with their hands. Whether any of those lentils actually make it into their little mouths is another story;)… but that’s all part of the feeding journey!

To the Kitchen We Go –>

White bowl full of green lentils spilling out of the bowl on a white countertop.
Medium silver saucepan on a white counter with dry lentils and water about to be cooked.
Medium silver saucepan with cooked lentils.
A medium strainer sitting in a medium saucepan with cooked lentils.
Blender with carrots and lentils on a white counter.
Clear blender with pureed carrots and lentils on a white countertop.
  • Rinse your lentils and then add them to a saucepan.
  • Cook with carrots for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
  • Strain the water.
  • Add everything to a blender and puree until smooth.

Recipe Tip: Feel free to mix the carrot up – you can also use sweet potatoes, apples, or red peppers in this recipe.

Lentils for Baby-Led Weaning

Graphic for post - lentils for baby led weaning. Image is of a blue baby plate with different ways to self feed lentils with graphics showing the age for age way to feed them.

Lentils are a great first food for your baby due to all of the health benefits. They can be served on their own with some seasonings or mixed into other dishes to give them a boost of protein and fiber.

  • 6+ months – Mashed: At this stage, babies use a palmar grasp to pick up food, so serve them mashed so they can scoop it up, or whole but mixed into foods they can easily pick up, like mashed potatoes, avocado, or plain yogurt. Lentils mashed on toast, mixed into burger patties, veggie patties, pasta, or pre-loaded onto a spoon are all good ways to serve them.
  • 9+ months – Whole: The pincer grasp starts to develop around this age so you can start serving whole lentils to help give your baby practice. You can also continue to serve the ways listed above.
  • 12-24+ months – Utensils: Toddlers start to get the hang of utensils at this age so you can encourage them to eat lentils with a fork or spoon to practice their utensil skills.
Blue baby plate on my kitchen counter with spoons and a jar showing how to serve lentils to baby.

Get the recipe: Lentil Carrot Baby Food (puree & blw)

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Lentils for baby? Absolutely! While lentils can be a little bland on their own, I’ve found two easy ways to make them more appealing to little eaters. For a smooth puree, cook the lentils with a few carrots and a pinch of mild curry powder to bring in some extra flavor. For baby-led weaning, cook the lentils until tender, then lightly mash them with cooked carrots, avocado, or plain yogurt for a texture that’s easier for baby to scoop up and explore. Both options are great for babies 6+ months who are ready to start solids!
Yield: 4 servings
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Author: Michele Olivier
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Ingredients 

Lentil Puree

  • 1/4 cup dry lentils, rinsed with any stones or bad lentils picked out
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • pinch of mild curry, cinnamon, or turmeric

Instructions 

  • In a small saucepan, add the water, carrots, and rinsed lentils. Bring to a boil, and then simmer with the lid on but tilted. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until just tender.
  • Strain away any liquid.
  • Add the lentils and carrots to a blender.
  • Turn the blender on medium-high and puree until smooth – roughly 1-2 minutes. Add additional water in 1/4 increments if the puree is too thick. Serve a portion and then store the remaining puree in the fridge and/or freezer for later meals.

Notes

Age: 6+ months
Lentils for Baby-Led Weaning: Cook as directed above (either with carrots cut into long, 2–3-inch strips or without) and serve to your baby in an age-appropriate way. You can mash the lentils on their own or combine them with another cooked fruit or vegetable, mashed avocado, or plain, unsweetened yogurt. Serve on a self-feeding spoon, mash and spread on toast, or mix into another food, such as burgers or meatballs.
Storage: Store the lentil puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Store the cooked lentils in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
Spices/Herbs: Adding spices to your baby’s foods is a great way to introduce more complex flavors at an early age. Some great spices and herbs to add to cooked lentils are a pinch of mild curry, garlic powder, ginger, turmeric, and cumin, or you can add in a pinch of chopped fresh parsley, chives, mint, and cilantro.
How to Prepare Lentils in an Instant Pot: Add the lentils and water or broth to the Instant Pot. Cover with and lock down the lid. Pressure-cook for 15 minutes at HIGH pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. Once all the pressure has been released, turn the steam valve to release any remaining pressure.
Expert Tips:
  • You don’t need to soak dried lentils, but soaking them can reduce cooking time for some varieties and improve digestion. If you want to experiment, soak lentils for 2-4 hours.
  • It’s always a good idea to rinse your lentils, as you may find small rocks or debris mixed in.
  • Serve cooked lentils on top of foods that are easy for baby to scoop, such as mashed vegetables, grain porridges, or yogurt. Or use lentils to thicken veggie purees or soups.
Course: baby food, Baby Led Weaning

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Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).