Lentils for Babies: Benefits, Recipes and Nutritional Value

It is always significant and wondrous to time when parents decide to start introducing certain forms of solid foods to the baby. It is every parent’s desire to ensure that their children are being fed on the right types of foods and this can only be achieved through good knowledge of the topic. However, one certain food most parents don’t consider in preparing meals for babies is the lentil. So please read on to discover the realm of lentil recipes especially for babies such as the advantages of using them, how to cook, and what recipes to consider.

Table of Content:

1. Lentils for Baby
2. How to Cook Lentils for Baby
3. Lentils Benefits
4. Lentil Recipes
5. References

Lentils for Baby:

Lentils are also good for the weaned baby who is now ready for something more than juste mashed or pureed food. They are tender, nutritious and ideal for making meals that are still soft or even pureed to meet the child’s eating abilities. Lentils can be a decent source of nutrition and can start giving them from 6-8 months of age but only after the baby has tasted several other types of foods.

About beans: The beans differ in color – green, brown, red and yellow – although all of them are legumes, they taste a bit different. Having passed through some of the descriptions above, it is quite clear that Red lentils are the soft ones as well as the fastest to cook and that is why they are used in preparing baby foods. However, different types of lentils can be appropriate for the infant when it is prepared in the right manner.

How to Cook Lentils for Baby:

1. Sort and Rinse:

When starting the process, it is useful to sift through the lentils to get rid of the leftovers and, if present, the deteriorated ones. Wash them under running cold water till you are sure that they have been cleaned properly.

2. Soak (Optional):

While not necessary, soaking of lentils is recommended for at least 3 hours up to the next morning so that they will soften, be at ease to digest, and their cooking time will be reduced.

3. Cook:

Put these lentils into a pot with enough water or low-sodium broth. The basic rule for relating lentils to liquid is 1:3.

4. Simmer:

Add more liquid, and let it bubble vigorously for some time before you lower heat and let it cook for longer periods. Cooking times vary depending on the type of lentil:

• Red Lentils: 15-20 minutes
• Green or Brown Lentils: 20-30 minutes
• French Green Lentils: 25-35 minutes

• Test for Doneness: Onions should be combined when translucent and carrots should also be added then softened. Lentils should be soft and easily mashable when done.
• Puree or Mash: If you are serving the lentils to younger babies, it is advisable to mash the lentils after cooking to produce a pureed consistency. For older babies, you can blend them or leave them as it is if your baby has a grinder mouth to chew on.
• Do not add any salt or season the lentils you want to prepare for the baby as this will reduce the digestibility of the food. Their growing kidneys are incompetent to regulate its metabolisms, and their buds are not yet attuned to the superior truths of flavor.

Lentil Soup for Babies:

Lentil soup is very suitable for all family members, especially baby food, as it is very nourishing and tasty. Here’s a simple recipe suitable for babies 8 months and older:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup red lentils
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 small potato, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

• Begin by heating the olive oil in a pot then sauté the onion for several minutes until it turns tender.
• Then incorporate carrots and potatoes and cook for a minute.
• Now put the lentils and water or broth into the pot to make the lentils soft and pliable.
• To it, add sufficient water to produce a soup and let it reach boiling point before reducing the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
• Blend to desired consistency.

This soup is best eaten as is for the older babies while for the younger ones it can be thinned down with breast milk or formula.

Lentils Benefits:

Lentils offer a wealth of nutritional benefits for growing babies:

1. Protein:

The lentils also contain plant protein nutrients that are of immense importance especially in the growth of the body.

2. Iron:

They also contain iron in abundance, and this plays a critical role in development of the brain as well as in combating anemia.

3. Fiber:

Lentils being good sources of fiber improved the digestion process, a factor most babies encounter when they begin taking solids.

4. B Vitamins:

Lentils contain many B group vitamins most especially the vitamin that plays a big role in development of cells and also the vitamin known to boost performance of the brain.

5. Minerals:

The major nutrients include potassium and magnesium; other nutrients include other essential vitamins and minerals like zinc; have several benefits that impact the general well being of the body but are essential for the immune system.

6. Low Allergenic Potential:

Nevertheless, it must be stated that in contrast to other proteins, lentils do not have a direct association with allergy, that is why it is safe to include this product in baby’s diet.

7. Versatility:

Lentils come in all sorts of forms and can be incorporated with many other foods, which means that instead of relying on a limited selection of foods to introduce the baby to new tastes, with lentils, it is easy to diversify the baby’s diet.

Lentil Recipes:

Once your baby has started wanting to put more solid foods into their mouth and explore different textures, you can then start to increase the number of lentil recipes that are served to your baby. Here are a few ideas:

1. Lentil and Sweet Potato Mash:


Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked red lentils
• 1/2 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Blending for this mixture requires that all the ingredients are blended till smooth. Due to the combination of the sweetness of the potato and the lentils this dish brings out a good taste for your baby.

2. Lentil and Apple Puree:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked green lentils
• 1/2 apple, peeled, cored, and cooked until soft
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

Blend all ingredients until smooth. The apple adds a touch of sweetness that many babies love.

3. Lentil Nuggets (For Older Babies and Toddlers):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely grated cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Blend lentils, combine them with other components and ingredients and then divide the mixture into small portions of meat-like nuggets which should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until they turn gold. With time, your baby is able to handle foods of more textures and you should introduce these foods to him or her also.

What one should always ensure is that the baby is always observed keenly especially during the meal time and ensure that one introduces a new food to the baby in a single chance so that in case of any allergic reactions such as a skin rash the source can quickly be identified. Making them is very simple, they can be taken in any bounty known to man and they are endowed with nutrients that will help your child grow. When feeding your infant with lentils you are not only feeding the body but also training the baby to take proper meals at the right time and for this reason it is very important in molding the character of the baby. Therefore, do not be afraid to introduce these powerful linseeds to your baby’s diet – your baby’s palate and tiny body will surely reward it!

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References:

1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx
2. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html
3. https://www.lentils.org/health-nutrition/nutrition/