Baby recipe · 6+ months
Baby's First Red Lentil Dal
Gently spiced, iron-rich dal that introduces flavour early — spoon-feed it, load it onto a preloaded spoon, or thicken it for dipping.
Ingredients
- 100g red split lentils, rinsed
- 400ml low-salt vegetable stock or water
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1/2 tsp mild curry powder or turmeric + cumin
- 1 tbsp coconut milk or olive oil
- Squeeze of lemon
Method
- Simmer lentils, carrot and spices in the stock for 20–25 minutes until completely soft.
- Stir in coconut milk and lemon; mash or blend to your baby's texture.
- Serve warm — thicker for dipping, looser for spoon-feeding.
How to serve it by stage
6+ months
Serve thick on a preloaded spoon, or as a dip for soft veg sticks and toast fingers.
9+ months
Slightly chunkier texture with soft carrot pieces left in.
12+ months
Serve over rice with a spoon — a proper little dinner.
Allergen & safety noteLentils are one of the best plant iron sources for babies. The lemon's vitamin C helps iron absorption. Always supervise eating, serve baby upright in a high chair, and check food passes the squish test for younger babies.
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