Creamy Lentil & Sweet Potato Mash (for Babies and Toddlers)
This is the pot I make when I need one easy thing that both the baby and the toddlers will actually eat. Green lentils, sweet potato, and carrot simmer together until everything is soft and naturally sweet, then a little butter, mild cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon make it taste like a hug. Blend the baby's portion smooth, keep the toddlers' chunky with a little cheese, or roll it into little bites they can pick up themselves.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced small
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 3 cups water or low-sodium broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mild cumin
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Optional, for the toddlers: 1 handful shredded cheese
- Optional, for toddler bites: 1 spoonful breadcrumbs
Method
- Put the rinsed lentils, sweet potato, carrot, and water or broth in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down, cover, and simmer 30 to 35 minutes, until everything is very soft. Green lentils need the full time; a lentil should squish easily between your fingers.
- Drain off any extra liquid, then stir in the butter or olive oil, cumin, and cinnamon.
- For the baby: blend or mash a portion until very smooth, thinning with a little water, breast milk, or formula until it is the right texture. No salt and no cheese for the baby.
- For the toddlers: mash the rest chunky and stir in the shredded cheese while it is warm.
- For finger-food bites: heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Stir the breadcrumbs into the chunky mash, roll into small balls, and bake 15 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Let them cool before serving.
Notes
Leave out salt for babies under a year; the toddlers can have a tiny pinch in their portion if you like. Always check the texture is right for your baby's stage, and let everything cool before serving.
Storage
Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Freeze baby portions in ice cube trays, then pop them into a freezer bag; thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently.
💪 About 9g protein per serving (estimate; the lentils carry most of it)
💡 Green lentils add plant protein, iron, and fiber; sweet potato and carrot bring beta-carotene (Vitamin A). Nut-free. Contains milk if you use butter or cheese; use olive oil and skip the cheese for dairy-free.