First foods database
🫘 Pigeon peas for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat pigeon peas? Yes, from about 6 months. Pigeon peas (toor dal or gungo peas) are a rich source of plant protein and iron, used in dals and rice dishes around the world.
Good source of: Protein, Fibre, Iron, Folate
How to serve pigeon peas by age
6 to 9 months
Cook split toor dal until it collapses into a soft purée, or blend whole cooked pigeon peas. Mash with rice or vegetables. Cook split pigeon peas until they fall apart.
9 to 12 months
Offer soft dal with rice, or squashed whole pigeon peas in stews. Toor dal with rice is a classic first food in many families.
12 months and up
Serve pigeon peas in dals, Caribbean rice and peas, or stews. Rice and peas with coconut milk is a family favourite.
Choking safety
Squash whole pigeon peas for young babies. Dal is soft and low risk. Dal should be thinned if very thick.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Choose tinned peas with no added salt and rinse well.
Easy ideas
- Toor dal with rice
- Rice and peas with coconut milk
- Pigeon pea stew
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat pigeon peas?
Can babies eat pigeon peas? Yes, from about 6 months. Pigeon peas (toor dal or gungo peas) are a rich source of plant protein and iron, used in dals and rice dishes around the world.
Is toor dal the same as pigeon peas?
Yes, toor dal is split pigeon peas. Whole pigeon peas are also available tinned.
Are pigeon peas high in iron?
They contain plant iron, which is absorbed better with vitamin C-rich foods. Pair with tomatoes or peppers.
Sources
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).