Thursday 13 September 2007

Lentil and Vegetable Puree

My daughter currently has a love-hate relationships with lentils in that she loves to hate them. I've tried preparing them every which way I can think of, with very little success. Lentils are a great source of protein for babies, and are an especially good protein source for those intermediate eaters who aren't too fond of meat or poultry yet.

That said, when she was younger, she did enjoy this lentil and vegetable puree, courtesy of Annabel Karmel's Healthy Baby Meal Planner (not to be confused with Pru's favorite Baby Healthy Eating Planner). I've made quite a few recipes from this book, and all but a few have been hits with She Who Must Be Obeyed.

Ingredients

2 TBSP butter
1 1/2 cups leeks, washed and sliced
1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped
1/4 cup split red lentils
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup cauliflower florets
1/2 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped


Directions

1. Melt the butter and saute the leek for about 5 minutes.

2. Add the carrot and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the lentils and broth, and bring to a boil. Then, cver and simmer for about 15 minutes.

4. Add the cauliflower and apple and cook for abother 15 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.



6. Puree to the desired consistency for your baby.


3 comments:

Eva said...

Sounds yummy, even for grown ups (except for the puree part).

Here's my question. I always want to try lentils, but I'm a bit wary of dried beans. Do you buy them dried? Then do you start them dried, or do you put them in the pot after soaking them or something? Thanks!

Kristi said...

Hi Eva-yes, you buy lentils dried. Then, you have to sort them to ensure there aren't any foreign particles, etc. mixed in with the lentils themselves. Just measure out the amount you need, and dump them onto a towel. My aunt, who is a skilled cook, gave me this tip. You don't need to soak them, though.

With other beans, though, I think you do need to soak them.

Vegetable puree said...

For my baby? This is going to be MY lunch!