Sweet Carrot & Red Lentil Mash (Baby's First Iron Boost!)
A simple, naturally sweet, and iron-rich mash made with red lentils and carrots, perfect for introducing legumes and essential nutrients to your baby's diet.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 1/4 cups water
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Lentils: Place the dried red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for about 30 seconds, removing any debris or small stones.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrot: Peel the carrot using a vegetable peeler. Then, dice the carrot into small, even pieces, approximately 1/4-inch in size. This ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed red lentils, diced carrot, and water.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
Step 5: Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan partially, tilting the lid to allow some steam to escape. This prevents the mixture from becoming too dry.
Step 6: Simmer and Stir: Simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Check for Doneness: Continue simmering for another 5 minutes, or until the lentils have broken down and the carrot is very soft and easily mashed. The total cooking time should be approximately 15 minutes.
Step 8: Add Water if Needed: If the mixture appears too dry during cooking, add a small amount of extra water (1-2 tablespoons) to maintain a porridge-like consistency.
Step 9: Mash (Optional): If your baby is ready for a slightly textured mash, use the back of a fork or spoon to gently mash the mixture in the saucepan.
Step 10: Puree (Optional): For a smoother puree, transfer the cooked lentil and carrot mixture to a blender or food processor.
Step 11: Blend Until Smooth: Blend until completely smooth, adding a small amount of extra water or breast milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Step 12: Cool to Safe Temperature: Allow the mash to cool completely to a safe temperature before serving to your baby. Test the temperature on your wrist before feeding.
Step 13: Serve: Serve a few spoonfuls of the warm mash to your baby. Start with a small amount and observe their reaction.
Step 14: Store Leftovers: Store any leftover mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed. Can also be frozen in ice cube trays for single-serving portions.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during cooking and feeding.
- Ensure the mash is cooled to a safe temperature before serving to prevent burns.
- Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions. Lentils are legumes; while not top allergens, a small percentage of people have lentil allergy. If baby has known severe peanut or pea allergy, be cautious with lentils.
- Cut carrots into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 50 kcal per serving
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 0.3g