Lentils for Baby Led Weaning | A-Z Baby Foods

Lentil Superpowers

• These lovely legumes are rich in B vitamins and folate to support the nervous system
• Packed with protein to fuel growing muscles
• Full of fabulous fibre to keep little tummies happy and healthy
• Iron and Zinc are plentiful - serve lentils with high in Vit C foods to aid absorption of iron
• Lentils contain traces of almost every vitamin and mineral that little ones need as they grow.
• When combined with rice, Lentils offer a complete protein (9 amino acids our bodies can’t make and we all need for optimum health)

We have lots of ideas to help you include lentils in your little one's diet. Please scroll down for more information.
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Introducing lentils: With an earthy and nutty flavour and a starchy consistency – lentils are the perfect plant protein for thickening your baby’s food or adding texture along the weaning journey. There are different ways to include lentils in your baby’s diet, depending on their age and needs.
Find ideas for each age group below.

A baby sitting on a high chair and eating

Introducing lentils at 6-9 months

Split lentils break down easily during cooking to make a lovely thick nutritious puree.
Lentil puree works for spoon-feeding or dipping,
Use Lentils to introduce exciting flavours and warming spices.
Dahl is a dish the whole family can enjoy.
Cooked split lentils add texture and help to thicken more watery vegetable purees like courgette and carrot plus packs in some protein too!

Introducing lentils at 9-12 months

Sprinkle cooked whole lentils on top of mashed foods like sweet potato, avocado, butternut squash.
Sprinkling keeps the lentils visible and your baby can scoop the mashed food with their hands.
The lentils will stick to the mashed food and your little one can self-feed lentils with ease.
Cooked lentils are also a great addition to homemade patties, fritters or savoury finger food bites!

Introducing lentils at 12-18 months

At this age and stage your little one can practice their pincer grip.
Sprinkle cooked lentils onto their highchair tray and watch them focus on these little legumes.
Offer a pre-loaded spoon with mashed food to help the lentils stick and stay on the utensil.
A great way to encourage independent feeding with lentils.
Whole lentils add a chunky texture to stews, casseroles, curries and shepherd’s pie.

Organix Recipes

Red Lentil Dip

7+ Months

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Quinoa, Lentil & Veg One Pot

10+ Months

See Recipe

Baby Lentil Soup

12-18 Months

See Recipe

Remember...

If using tinned lentils, choose no added salt varieties.
Rinse tinned lentils thoroughly in cold water before using in cooking.
Some whole lentils might require pre-soaking over night to reduce cooking times.
Lentils are fibre dense so introduce in small quantities to help your baby’s tummy digest them.

Organix Foods

Rainbow Veggies with Lentils

6-9 Months

See Food

Hearty Sweet Potato & Lentils with Chicken

9-12 Months

See Food

5 Sunshine Veggies with Red Lentils

9-12 Months

See Food