Sunny Lentil-Apple Cream Mash
By the GreenSpoon Kids kitchen
A cozy, gently sweet lentil and apple mash with a hint of carrot and yogurt cream.
This sunny lentil and apple cream mash uses a simple trick to make savory lentils appealing to a brand-new eater: a little sweet apple. Soft-cooked red lentils are blended with apple into a smooth, creamy, gently sweet mash for a 6 to 8 month old. It is a hearty, plant-based meal that goes down easily, with the apple softening the earthy lentil flavor into something a baby readily accepts.
Ingredients(6)
- 3 tbsp red lentils, rinsed
- 1/4 small apple, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup water, plus more as needed
- 2 tbsp plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions(7 steps)
- 1
Rinse lentils under cold water (1 min)
- 2
Peel and dice apple and carrot into small pieces (4 min)
- 3
Add lentils, apple, carrot, and water to small pot (1 min)
- 4
Simmer covered on low until very soft, stirring once or twice (15 min)
- 5
Mash or blend with olive oil to a smooth, slightly thick puree (4 min)
- 6
Stir in yogurt off heat until creamy and lump-free (2 min)
- 7
Cool to lukewarm and serve in a shallow bowl (2 min)
Nutritional Highlights
- -Iron from lentils
- -Plant protein
- -Calcium from yogurt
Age Appropriateness
Soft, well-cooked lentils and vegetables provide iron and fiber in an easy-to-swallow puree.
Introduction Tip
Offer a few spoonfuls alongside a familiar puree, watching closely for tolerance to lentils and yogurt.
Why this works
Babies are naturally drawn to sweet flavors, so pairing earthy lentils with sweet apple is a smart way to introduce a savory plant protein that might otherwise be a harder sell. Red lentils cook down into a smooth, creamy mash with no firm bits, ideal for a 6 to 8 month old, and the apple keeps it mild and lightly sweet so a new eater takes to it. It is more filling than a fruit puree alone, making it a satisfying meal, and it is an easy early step toward a more varied, savory diet.
Variations and swaps
- Swap the apple for pear, or the lentils for a mild bean once introduced.
- Add a soft cooked vegetable like carrot or squash for more variety.
- Stir in a spoonful of yogurt or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Reduce the apple over time as your baby gets used to the savory flavor.
- Thin with milk or water for a younger baby, or leave it thicker for an older one.
Make ahead and storage
Keep extra covered in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days, and it freezes well in small portions for up to 1 month. Reheat until piping hot, stir, and cool to lukewarm before serving. Loosen it with a splash of water or milk if it has thickened on standing.
What to serve with it
Serve it lukewarm and creamy from a soft spoon, offering a few spoonfuls and letting your baby lead. It is filling enough to be a main meal. If your baby is unsure of the lentils at first, start with a little more apple and reduce it over time. Keep mealtimes calm and unhurried.
Common questions
Why mix lentils with apple?
The apple's natural sweetness softens the earthy flavor of the lentils, which makes a savory plant protein much more approachable for a baby just starting solids. It is a gentle way to introduce lentils so they are accepted, and you can reduce the apple over time.
Can babies eat lentils at 6 months?
Yes. Cooked completely soft and mashed smooth, red lentils are suitable from around 6 months and a good plant protein. Introduce them in a small amount at first, watch over the early servings, and make sure there are no firm bits.
My baby resists savory foods. Any tips?
Lean on the sweetness at first: start with more apple, offer small amounts calmly, and keep trying over many days. It can take many relaxed exposures before a savory flavor is accepted, and gradually shifting the balance toward the lentils helps.
Can I freeze this?
Yes. It freezes well in small portions, so make a batch and reheat single servings as needed. Reheat until piping hot all the way through, then cool to a safe temperature before serving.
Parent guide
Read our toddler feeding guides
