Lentils for baby..

If you've given your baby lentiils, how did you make them? I made them for my granddaughter, but was afraid to use any seasonings. Just boiled in water with some tiny pieces of carrot till the water was absorbed and the lentils were soft. I know it had no taste. She made a face but ate some. Just wondered what I can put in to make it more palatable? She's 9 mos and we're still experimenting with new foods. Thanks.

Re: Lentils for baby..

I wouldn't be afraid of spices.. I've been giving DD various beans sauteed with curry powder, garlic, onion powder, etc. I think it's a good way to build their palate and prevent them from becoming "chicken nugget kids"

Re: Lentils for baby..

My kids love lentils!

I used to boil lentils in water and add a little turmeric and sometimes ground coriander. In a separate pan, I used to soften some onions in olive oil and then add it into the lentils.

Sometimes I would blend it with chicken or another veggie for extra flavor.

Re: Lentils for baby..

The only spices I limit with DS is salt and very spicy seasonings like red pepper flakes but otherwise, I season the same way I would for myself.

Re: Lentils for baby..

I modified an Anabel Karmel recipe when I made lentils for DD. I boiled lentils, sweet potato, and an apple together, then pureed the entire mixture. The apples gave it some sweetness and the sweet potato made it nice and mild.

Now that she's a little older, I'd put more spices in. But it was good for her first experience with lentils.

Re: Lentils for baby..

i haven't given DS lentils, but i love spices and evrythign i make has spices in it. he's been eating the same dinner as us for a few months now and so far no complaints!
when i started with real food i just did some salt and pepper for taste.
now i throw everything we like from curry to cayenne pepper (i just make sure it's not TOO spicy)

Re: Lentils for baby..

You could try cooking them in a little vegetable (or other) stock, rather than water. It is an easy way to add some flavor! I also often add some tomatoes to mine.

(If you did that along with the spices others are suggesting, you would have some yummy Indian daal!)

Re: Lentils for baby..

Put everything in there. My daughter always loved (even as a baby) a little pepper, grated cheese, herbs..........anything zesty. There is no limit. If you don't make their food taste good they won't want to eat it. You wouldn't want bland, boiled lentils...........neither does she.