Easy Baby-Friendly Lentils

This is one of my son’s favorite meals. I started serving the lentils to him whole at 9+ months. Blend if you have a younger baby for a pureed texture.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup brown lentils (or whichever ones you have on hand)

• 1 ½ cups water or low-sodium broth

• 1 small carrot, finely grated

• A small handful of spinach, chopped tiny

• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or cumin

• Optional: 1–2 tbsp plain whole-milk yogurt for creaminess

Instructions:

1. Rinse & pick through

Rinse the lentils really well and check for any tiny stones (super normal with bagged lentils).

2. Add everything to a pot

Add to a small pot:

• lentils

• water/broth

• grated carrot

• (optional) garlic powder or cumin

Bring to a boil.

3. Simmer until VERY soft

Reduce heat to low and cook 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should be soft enough to easily squish between your fingers. If they start drying out, just add a splash of water.

4. Add spinach at the end

Stir in chopped spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.

5. Make it creamy

Take off heat and stir in yogurt (if using). Mash with the back of a spoon if you’d like a smoother texture.

Serving ideas:

• Serve as is with a baby spoon

• Mix with rice for more texture

• Blend lightly for a smoother puree