The Best Lentil Recipes for Toddlers & Kids (2024)

FAQs

Are lentils good for toddlers? ›

Lentils are a great plant based (non heme) source of iron and so versatile! They make a great addition to your baby (and families) diet and are also high in protein, fibre and a plethora of vitamins and minerals.

Mix into your favourite soups and sauces

Cooked lentils, beans and peas can easily be pureed and stirred into soups, stews and even sauces. They not only add depth and flavour, but also help thicken your soups and stews to make them heartier and more nutrient-rich.

Pasta sauce is an excellent place to “hide” lentils. Red lentils are great in pasta sauce. Just toss one-half to one cup of red lentils into the sauce and they will cook down and be well hidden.

Split red lentils cook quickly and can break down into a thick pureed texture. They are best used to thicken soups and stews. Whole green and black lentils retain their shape and are an excellent addition to salads and whole grains; they may also be seasoned and served on their own.

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

I have included recipes using both red and green / brown lentils. The diversity of lentils makes them a really easy win for babies, toddlers and kids. They're easy to slot into just about any type of cuisine, mixing them in with the kinds of meals they already enjoy.

Offer lentils in meals as desired, from mashed or scoopable dishes to lentil salads and soups. Let the child eat with their hands or offer an age-appropriate utensil for practice.

How To Soak Right? Soaking lentils for two- eight hours is mostly recommended. In a bowl add the dal and rinse it with water, changing the water 3-4 times and clean it gently by stroking with your fingers. Now add water to a bowl and soak the dal for about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of lentil.

If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.

Alternatively, a full complement of amino acids can be achieved by pairing lentils with whole grains such as rice or wheat. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, vitamin B1 and folic acid, and are naturally gluten-free.

Which lentils are healthiest? ›

Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion. With it being a rich source of protein and vitamin B3, it makes our bones stronger and is said to boost energy levels, enhance heart health and strengthen our nervous system.

You're fine to eat unrinsed lentils. The only real reason to rinse it to remove possible dirt, and perhaps a tad of starch.

Black Beluga lentils have the most flavor, adding a rich, earthy taste and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Black lentils will be ready in 20–25 minutes; however, they will fall apart like their brown, green, and red partners once you cook them for too long.

The so-called “lentil effect” or “second meal effect” describes the remarkable effect of beans to help control blood sugar levels hours, or even the next day, after consumption.

Many parents find that the following foods contribute to baby gas more than others: Fibrous foods such as beans and lentils. High-fiber vegetables like leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, or brussels sprouts. Dairy, including yogurt, milk, cheese, or ice cream.

Ones that are moderately easy to digest include French puy lentils, toor daal, whole mung beans and adzuki beans. These are more of an occasional indulgence. The more far more difficult to digest legumes are whole green, brown or red lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans and other beans like cannellini, pinto etc.

Lentils are easy-to-digest plant proteins that are a must-have food for babies because they're brimming with nutrients like iron, calcium, phosphorus, calcium, choline, and folate, as well as 1.1 grams of protein.

Whole grains contain many benefits: they are rich sources of iron and other vitamins, minerals, fiber, and nutrients that help babies and toddlers stay healthy and strong. Examples of whole grains include steel-cut oats, barley and quinoa.