Featured Recipe: Lentil Dhal

Winter is nearing an end but we’re still feeling the chill. Warm up your winter with this nourishing Lentil Dhal.  

This recipe is great for parents of baby’s that are starting their journey with solid food and experimenting with different textures. Try playing around with the texture by mashing the lentils to different consistencies. 

 This is a simple, baby-friendly take on the classic Dhal dish and doesn’t include any overpowering spices but is still sure to warm you up. 

See below for the recipe and be sure to tag @INFANTProgram on Twitter with a photo of your finished product!  

Ingredients 

• 1 tablespoon dried red lentils 
• ¼ cup mixed vegetables (e.g. carrot, peas, beans) 
• 2 cups water 
• Pinch turmeric or cumin (optional) 

Method 

1. Wash lentils then soak in water for 30 minutes (to reduce ‘gassiness’). 
2. Drain water then wash again. 
3. Clean and wash vegetables then dice into small pieces. 
4. Put lentils, vegetables, water and turmeric/cumin (if using) in a pot on high heat. 
5. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring often to stop lentils sticking to the bottom. 
6. When lentils and vegetables are soft enough to mash with a spoon, remove from heat. 
7. Mash/purée to required consistency with extra water if needed before serving warm. 
8. Any unused dhal can be frozen or covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. 

To serve the family 

For a family of 4, use: 

• 1 ½ cups dried red lentils 
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g. carrot, peas, beans) 
• 4 cups water 
• 2 teaspoons canola or olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 
• 1 teaspoon cumin 
• 2 cups dry brown/basmati rice 

Follow the same method up to step 3, THEN: 

1. Fry turmeric and cumin in oil in a pot for a few seconds then add lentils and water. 
2. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often to stop lentils sticking to the bottom. 
3. Add vegetables and simmer for another 5 minutes (add more water if needed). 
4. Cook rice according to the instructions on pack. 
5. Serve Dhal with rice. 

Good for: serve thick with rice for the whole family  

Storage: freeze or in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered 

Note: easy, cheap and a real winner with little people; makes enough for 1–2 feeds 

See our past recipes below or download the My Baby Now App for more recipe inspiration:  

• Pear Muffins 
• Spaghetti Bolognese  
• Veggie Omelette  
• Lentil Cottage Pie  
• Veggie Citrus Muffins  
• Sweetcorn and Pea Risotto  

Read more about the My Baby Now app in our recent blog post below:  

Parents and caregivers with a baby under 12 months old can access the app here:

Did you make this recipe?  

Share your thoughts and tag @INFANTProgram on Twitter or Facebook so we can see all the deliciousness!