Iron-Rich Baby’s Lentil Purée
Boosting Baby's Iron Intake with this delicious Lentil Purée!
When it comes to your little one’s meals, it’s important to strike a balance between simplicity and ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. While there’s no need to overthink every meal, being mindful of their nutritional needs is crucial.
Iron is a major nutrient for baby’s growth and development, supporting their cognitive function and overall health.
We are delighted to share this delicious and easy recipe that combines the goodness of red lentils, sweet potato, and spinach to create a creamy and iron-rich purée for your baby.
The recipe
Starting 9 month
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes
This lentil purée is packed with iron, thanks to the red lentils and spinach. Lentils are an excellent plant-based source of iron, while the vitamin C in sweet potatoes enhances iron absorption. The recipe provides a nutritious and tasty way to incorporate iron into your baby’s diet.
What you'll need for 4 servings of about 6 oz each
- 1/4 cup red lentils
- 1 cup water
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Steps
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain.
- In a small saucepan, combine the lentils and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the diced sweet potato. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils and sweet potato are tender.
- Add the chopped spinach to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Optional: Stir in ground cumin and turmeric for added flavor and extra nutritional benefits.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Transfer the contents of the saucepan to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the purée to cool completely before serving.
Tip:
Serve a small portion to your baby and store the remaining purée in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Note:
As with any new food, it’s important to introduce lentils gradually and watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities in your baby. Because legumes can be more difficult to digest, we are recommending to introduce them around 9 months of age but you can absolutely introduce them earlier, around 6 months.
Consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods and for personalized advice regarding your baby’s nutritional needs.
Bon Appétit!
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