Lentil Bake is perfect as part of a main meal but also as part of a packed lunch. Great for kids of all ages and fantastic for baby-led weaning
Lentils and sweet potato rarely featured in my diet before having kids. Now they seem to be a weekly staple and I’m always experimenting with new ways to serve them. Both Finn and Rory love them, I know that if I make something with either of these ingredients that it will generally be a hit with them. This Curried Lentil Bake is no exception.
Some of my most viewed recipes involve sweet potato and/or lentils so I’m guessing they are a popular food choice for other parents too. My sweet potato, lentil and carrot croquettes and lentil lasagne are particularly popular.
This dish is made up of lentils, vegetables, sweet potato and eggs, making it very nutritious, very tasty and easy for babies to eat.
How to Store Lentil Bake
How to Store Lentil Bake Lentil bake is easy to make but does take a little bit of time to prepare. I often make it at the weekend for lunch and then freeze the leftovers in individual portions. Freeze on a baking tray until frozen and then transfer to a ziplock bag or freezer container. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the leftovers for 3 to 4 days.
Although I prefer it straight out of the oven it still tastes good cold and the boys are more than happy to eat it. If you are looking for non-sandwich ideas for lunch-boxes then this dish is perfect.
Can I use a different variety of lentil to make a lentil bake?
Can I use a different variety of lentil to make a lentil bake? Lentils come in a range of sizes and colours. In this recipe, I chose to use red split lentils. When they are cooked they go mushy and the texture is perfect for a bake. The smooth texture is also baby and kid-friendly. As other lentil varieties hold their shape more when cooked, I do not recommend using a different lentil type in this recipe.
Are lentils good for babies?
Lentils may be small but they are a great source of fibre, protein and minerals all of which babies need for proper development. Lentils do have a reputation for causing gas and it is often recommended not to introduce lentils until 8 months of age. Red lentils are lower in fibre and are therefore believed not to cause gas as easily.
Start by giving your baby a small amount of lentils, if there is no symptoms of digestion upset then try offering a little more.
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Curried Lentil Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder*
- 1 cup (175g) red split lentils
- 2 1/3 cups (580ml) vegetable stock*
- 1 medium (1 1/2 cups) / (235g) sweet potato (cut into approx. 1 cm cubes)
- 1/2 cup (70g) frozen peas
- 3 eggs (lightly beaten)
Instructions
- Heat oil in pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots then reduce the heat to low and cook for approx. 10 mins (until softened.)
- Add the curry powder and cook for a further minute
- Add the lentils & stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer until cooked, soft and stock absorbed (approx. 20 mins)
- Meanwhile, heat a little oil in a pan and fry the sweet potato cubes, on a low heat, for approx. 10min. (add a little water if needed)
- Pre heat oven to 180C/350F/Gas4
- Once lentils are cooked, allow to cool slightly and then add the potato, egg and peas. Stir until combined.
- Place the mixture in a greased, ovenproof dish (mine was 10" x 7.5")
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 mins or until set and golden (mine took 35 mins) but timings will vary with ovens.
- Slice into squares. I cut into 20 pieces.
Recipe Notes
**If serving to a baby or young children use homemade stock or very low salt stock. Nutritional information is an ESTIMATE only and is calculated using an online calculator. The facts are based on 1 of 20 squares. Facts will vary depending on the brands of ingredients used and size of vegetables.
NOTE: This recipe was first published on Jan 25th, 2016. It has been updated with new photos and now provides more information, answering some commonly asked questions.
Julie Davies says
I make it for the vegetarians in work and they love it!! (The meat eaters enjoy it too.)
Amy says
Fantastic! Thank you, Julie 🙂
Ritienne Zammit says
This is soooo good
Thanks
Amy says
Thank you Ritienne 🙂
Sinead Murphy says
Do I need to reheat this from the freezer? My baby prefers things cold but just wondering if i can serve it to him as is or do i need to reheat and then cool. Fingers crossed
Amy says
Hi Sinead, no need to reheat if it has been cooked. You can eat this cold 🙂
Maryan says
How do I freeze these?
Amy says
Hi Maryan, To freeze I usually cut into individual portions, freeze on a baking tray until frozen and then transfer to a ziplock bag or freezer container
Andrea Jackson says
Hi Amy! I’m having trouble finding red split lentils, but was able to find red lentils. Do you think there’s a way I could make them work in this recipe? I was thinking about giving them a few pulses in the food processor before soaking and cooking them.
Amy says
Hi Andrea, sorry for the late response. I’m not sure, to be honest. I have never actually bought whole red lentils (it isn’t something I see here) and so can’t say. They would def take longer to cook so I don’t believe they would work for this recipe but if you think you can break them down it could be worth a try. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Emma says
I made this for my 7.5 month-old and he really seemed to like it! I thought it was tasty too; this recipe is a keeper for sure. Thank you!
Amy says
I’m so glad you think so, Emma! Thanks for taking the time to rate and let me know 🙂
Chris Maher says
Have to make a rare comment on blogs and say THIS IS SUCH A WINNER! I’ve been regularly making it for my 2.5 year old for over a year now, and it’s so good to give him something so nutritional that he loves. I’m actually just finishing off making it with him, he’s excited!
Amy says
Thanks, Chris! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and I’m delighted that your little one has enjoyed it for so long. It used to be a favourite of my youngest too, but I haven’t made it in so long. Going to make it again tomorrow!
Jane says
My 10 month old baby LOVES this and gets excited when she sees it. My only problem is that it is a bit dry and crumbly so my baby has a hard time feeding herself. What would you recommend me doing so it sticks together a bit better? Thank you for the recipe!
Amy says
Hi Jane, Thanks for the feedback and I’m delighted that your little one enjoys this. Did the texture before cooking look like the pictures? Did you remember to add the egg? I’ve never had a problem with it crumbling before. Maybe the oven temperature was too high? Sorry I can’t be of much more help.