Baby and toddler recipes
🍠 First red lentil and sweet potato dal mash
A soft, mildly spiced red lentil dal cooked with sweet potato into a creamy mash. Lentils are an iron-rich plant protein, and a touch of turmeric and cumin gives baby a gentle taste of South Asian flavours.
Makes about 10 ice cube portions
Ingredients
- 50g (about 3 tbsp) Red lentils (rinsed well)
- 1 small (about 150g) Sweet potato (peeled and diced)
- a pinch Turmeric
- a pinch Cumin (ground)
- 1 tsp Rapeseed oil
- 300ml water
Method
- Warm the oil in a pan, add the turmeric and cumin and stir for 20 seconds.
- Add the lentils, sweet potato and water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the lentils have collapsed.
- Add a splash more water if it gets too thick.
- Blend smooth for a first taste, or mash well for a slightly thicker texture.
- Cool to warm before serving.
Serving it to your baby
Serve smooth at 6 months and thicker, with soft lumps, from 7 months. Offer alongside a vitamin C food such as a little mashed mango, which helps baby absorb the plant iron.
For the rest of the family
Double the recipe and cook the family's portion with onion, garlic, ginger and chilli added after you have scooped baby's out. Season adult bowls at the table.
Storing and reheating
Cool quickly (within an hour), then keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, reheat until steaming hot all the way through, stir, then cool to warm before serving. Never reheat more than once.
Weaning with OBubba
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Questions parents ask
Are lentils good for babies?
Yes. Red lentils cook down soft, are easy to digest for most babies and are rich in iron, protein and fibre. Rinse them well before cooking.
Can babies have turmeric and cumin?
Yes. Mild spices in small amounts are fine from around 6 months. Avoid chilli heat for young babies.
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).