If you’re looking for lentil ideas for your toddlers and kids, these recipes will have you covered! From mild and easy recipes to more adventurous and internationally inspired meals, there is something here for every child at every stage. 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. Packed with protein, fiber and iron, they are a true superfood for little ones, especially those who don’t eat meat.
This collection reflects both baby/toddler focused recipes, and family recipes that might suit your toddler (sometimes with adaptations which I’ve detailed). Some recipes are for more timid eaters, sticking to smoother textures and simpler flavors. But there’s also some more flavorful and textured recipes for those toddlers who are a little easier to please.
An easy one pot vegetarian pasta dinner that the whole family will love! The protein packed cheesy tomato lentil sauce is thick, creamy and comforting. There is minimal chopping, everything cooks in one pan, and it’s on the table in 20 minutes.
Baked potatoes stuffed with a vegetarian lentil taco filling and all your favorite toppings! A healthy, fun meal that the entire family will enjoy. You can put out several toppings and let everyone choose what they want.
Red lentils and caramelized onions in a sweet coconut sauce. A creamy, mild and naturally sweet dish that is simple to prepare and works well as a side dish or a main meal with rice.Â
Coconut milk, butternut squash and lentils combine to make a silky sweet puree, while intended to be baby food this can also be watered down a little to make a delicious sweet lentil soup! A great route for toddlers who prefer very smooth foods.
This creamy, buttery tarka dal just might be a hit for the toddlers who enjoy a little more flavor than what is on offer in the baby and toddler specific recipes!
A lentil, quinoa & barley vegetarian shepherd's pie with a potato, parsnip and goat cheese topping! This veggie pie is packed with flavor and texture, and can be adapted in a number of ways to suit your toddler and the rest of your family.
This gnocchi dinner is comforting, creamy and delicious to fill little tummies. Better yet, it has hidden health power thanks to red lentils in the sauce! Lentils add protein and fibre to the dinner table while blending seamlessly into the tomato sauce for a reassuringly smooth finish. You can make this sauce with regular pasta too.
A simple dal recipe for babies with sweet potato, split yellow peas (chana dal) and a just a hint of fragrant spice. Salt free, creamy and sweet, babies and toddlers will love this first taste of lentil dal, which can be pureed smooth or served with a little texture depending on their preferences.
This tasty lentil bolognese is the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family, packed with veggies and green lentils in a rich tomato sauce. It has more "bits" than the cheesy lentil sauce but is a great next step for toddlers who can handle it.
If your toddler enjoys snacking on strips of bell pepper, this is a great recipe to try for the whole family! Strips of bell pepper are cooked alongside the deliciously spiced tomato lentil sauce. You'll want to sense check the spices included here, for example you may wish to grind down the fennel seeds if your toddler won't appreciate finding one on their fork.
If your toddler enjoys fingers foods, try these sweet potato nachos! Baked sweet potato rounds are loaded with tasty barbecue lentils, cheese and guacamole. The ingredients are flexible, so you can adapt this to your toddler's own tastes.
A veggie packed lentil bake with a smoky Mexican inspired twist! You can personalize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, toppings and cheeses. While the recipe is heavily spiced, you can definitely adapt this to suit your toddler. I would also leave out the kale / spinach for toddlers who might struggle to chew it.
