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