Baby Food Recipe: Lentils with Brown Rice and Carrots

Lentils, Carrots and Brown Rice

Lentils are quick and easy meal saver in my house.  Both of my kids are on the borderline for anemia so we are always searching for foods that are high in iron.  In addition to being high in iron these legumes are also high in fiber, protein, maganese, folic acid and potassium. Combining lentils with rice (brown rice in this case) enhances the nutritional value of both foods.

This is a good first whole meal to offer to your little one since the taste is not overbearing and rice is still incorporated.  Recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:

1 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of dried red lentils, rinsed 

1/2 cup of brown rice

1/2 cup chopped carrots

Instructions:

1. Add the water and low-sodium chicken stock to a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil
2. Once the water and low-sodium chicken stock come to a boil add the remaining ingredients
3. After one minute, cover the sauce pan, reduce the heat to low and simmer until lentils, rice and carrots are tender
4. Place lentil mixture into a food processor/blender and puree to desired consistency (If additional liquid is needed to puree alternate between water and low-sodium stock until ideal consistency is reached)

Storage:

Option 1: Store the lentil mixture in air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days

Option 2: Separate the mixture into 4 ounce portions and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze overnight and save for up to 3 months