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 BakeLentil 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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.Other Lentil Recipes...
Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.
Curried Lentil Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon mild curry powder*
- 1 cup (175g) red split lentils
- 2 ⅓ cups (580ml) vegetable stock*
- 1 medium (1 ½ cups) / (235g) sweet potato (cut into approx. 1 cm cubes)
- ½ 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.
Nutritional facts
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.
Rachel
Can you swap for green or brown lentils?
Amy
Hi Rachel, I haven't tested it with other lentils but I don't think it would work. Brown/green lentils have different cooking times and hold their shape more.
Mel
Hi,
My little one just turned 8 months but has mainly been on purées with a bit of finger food on the side. Is this recipe suitable for young babies not quite use to blw?
catherine
I'm loving your recipes. They are great to keep my blood sugars down (was diagnosed pre diabetic, but now back to normal), and the grand kids really enjoy them too. Healthy but also delicious, which is just perfect. I make this bake and the veggie lentil bake, freeze and take portions out for lunch or a snack. I find heating them in the microwave works well, but for the grand kids I just give them at room temperature.
Keep up the good work!
Amy
Thank you so much Catherine. I'm glad the recipes work for you and your grandchildren 🙂
Jana B.
If I omit the celery and onion, do I need to reduce the broth amount and/or increase any other solid ingredients like carrots or sweet potatoes?
Amy
Hi Janan, you shouldn't need to reduce the broth but you will lose a good bit of flavour. 🙂
Holly
This is a great recipe, my son has a lot of food allergies. I had to use whole red lentils, due to other split red lentils, being contaminated by tree nuts but pre-cooked them and as for an egg replacement I used ORGRAN egg replacer powder for 3 egg equivalent and 2 tablespoons of Orgran Self Raising Flour. It set well in the oven. A moister slice in the middle and the lentils stayed whole but it’s tasty and not dry! Thankyou
Amy
Hi Holly, thanks for the comment, I'm so happy you managed to make it work with all the substitutions 🙂