Lentils are a superfood that if they aren’t already a part of your baby’s diet, they really should be. Rich in protein, iron, fiber, and antioxidants, lentils carry a pretty heavy load of nutrients that give your baby the vitamins and minerals they need to grow big and strong. Plus, its versatility means you can prepare lentils in a variety of ways to make each lentil-based dish an exciting and different one.
Additionally, lentils are an ideal hearty replacement for meat, so stocking up on them is important if you're trying to keep your baby food primarily plant-based. The key to getting your baby to eat lentils is to make them accessible, from purees and soups to baked casseroles and crispy croquettes and fritters. Read on for our list of 12 lentil recipes for babies, guaranteed to make your baby’s food healthy, exciting, and oh so delicious.
Curried Lentil Bake
This veggie and lentil-packed bake is great lunch or dinner for your baby, but can also be packed as a school lunch for older kids or adults.
1h 10m 70 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Curried Lentil Bake.
Veggie Lentil Baby Puree
Creamy and packed with flavor and important nutrients, this veggie lentil puree will be an absolute hit with your baby.
30 minutes 170 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Veggie Lentil Baby Puree.
Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Lentil
Great for freezing, this baby food is packed with sweet potatoes, spinach, and lentils, all of which have powerful nutrients and antioxidants to help your baby grow big and strong.
20 minutes 150 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Lentil.
Sweet Potato Lentil Baby Fritters
Handheld and fun to eat, these fritters are packed with nutrients and have a soft interior your baby can easily chew on without teeth.
25 minutes 120 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Sweet Potato Lentil Baby Fritters.
Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Cheddar Croquettes
Cheddar makes everything better! These cheesy, crispy handheld treats are easy for your baby to pick up and eat themselves, and are filled with healthy ingredients for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
40 minutes 200 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Cheddar Croquettes.
Spiced Coconut Butternut Lentil Puree
Red lentils and butternut squash come together for a baby food that is rich in iron and vitamin C, and is finished with coconut milk for a creamy texture and delightful flavor.
5h 15m 60 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Spiced Coconut Butternut Lentil Puree.
Red Lentil Meatballs
While your baby enjoys these nutrient-dense meatballs that are easy for them to pick up and eat themselves, you can have a plate of them too alongside a bright, green salad with fresh veggies and a zingy dressing.
30 minutes 60 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Red Lentil Meatballs.
Red Lentil and Potato Soup Puree
Potatoes give this soup the heft it needs to be a filling meal for your baby, plus the red lentils bring protein, iron, and vitamins for a super nutritious dish.
20 minutes 250 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Red Lentil and Potato Soup Puree.
Cheese and Lentil Wedges
These crispy cheese and lentil wedges are the perfect size for baby hands to pick up. Serve with some yogurt or some fresh fruits and veggies for a healthy and tasty lunch.
25 minutes 300 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Cheese and Lentil Wedges.
Lentil Bolognese
Lentils easily take the place of meat for a healthy, hearty Bolognese that is best served over whole wheat pasta or veggie noodles.
20 minutes 150 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Lentil Bolognese.
Lentil and Baby Kale Soup
This hearty soup is jam-packed with healthy vegetables that soften as they cook, making for a satisfying lunch or dinner for your baby during the cold weather months.
55 minutes 210 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Lentil and Baby Kale Soup.
Instant Pot Red Lentil and Kale Curry
The flavors in this curry are mild enough that they are okay for your baby to eat, but have enough flavor that they’re bound to excite your baby’s tastebuds and make them more likely to enjoy more heavily spiced foods later on. With your instant pot, this curry tastes like it took all day to make, but actually takes no time at all.
30 minutes 190 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Instant Pot Red Lentil and Kale Curry.