These Lentil Pancakes are a great finger food for babies or kids. Great for those with allergies as they are gluten, dairy, egg and nut free.
There is something about finger food that makes it so appealing to kids. I know with Finn it’s to do with not having to use a knife and fork and it being socially acceptable to just get in there and use his hands. It is all about speed with Finn and I’m constantly banging on at him to slow down and use his cutlery!
These lentil spinach pancakes are an example of the perfect finger food for babies and kids. Lentils are a good source of protein and beta-carotene and also folate, fibre and vitamin C. Spinach adds an iron punch and contains a high level of tryptophan which helps induce sleep (and we all know how important that is!)
I wouldn’t normally soak split red lentils but I find if I soak them overnight then they are super easy to blend and make the perfect pancake batter. I added a few spices and chopped spinach to the batter, but, that is it! No flour, milk or eggs are needed; making them great for babies and kids with dairy, gluten or egg allergies.
I love to serve these pancakes with curry, as a quick lunch on their own or dipped into some greek yoghurt. I swear when I add a dip to any dish I serve, it automatically gains appeal. Kids just love to dip and it’s a great way to encourage them to try new foods.
I find them best eaten straight away but the kids seemed happy enough to eat them cold.
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Lentil Spinach Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup split red lentils (soaked overnight)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- pinch turmeric
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves (finely chopped into ribbons)
- 1/2 tbsp oil for frying
Instructions
- Blitz all the ingredients (apart from the spinach & oil) in a high speed blender until you achieve a smooth batter. Add a little more water if needed.
- Mix the spinach through the batter.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over a high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and fry tablespoons of the batter for approx 2 mins each side
- Serve and enjoy!
Ania says
Can these be frozen? Or are they best served when cooked?
Amy says
Hi Ania, I can’t remember if I have ever frozen these so can’t say for sure. I don’t see why they wouldn’t. I prefer these freshly cooked but my kids are happy to eat them cold.
Debra Sabah Press says
Can you bake or air fry these?
Amy says
Hi Debra, I have never tried so can’t say. Sorry.
Maria Robinson says
Hi,so you don’t need to cook lentils and spinach?
Thanks from Malta
Amy says
Hi Maria, no need to pre-cook the lentils – just soak overnight. (red split lentils) No need to pre-cook spinach either
Lindsay says
Thank you so much for this great idea. I’m always looking for simple, real foods to serve my little guys. We also have an egg/dairy allergy so this was an awesome find! I was sadly out of paprika and used chili powder instead – turned out great! Thank you!
Amy says
Hi Lindsay, so glad you liked these and that it suits your little one’s dietary needs. Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂
georgia says
can i use lentil flour instead?and in how much?
Amy says
HI Georgia, I’m not sure how it would work with lentil flour. You wouldn’t need to soak overnight and the ratios will probably be different. I’d have to experiment before I could recommend how to make it with lentil flour. Sorry I can’t be more help.
Kat Hiby says
Hi I’m slightly worried about using uncooked lentils as I have heard they can be very undigestable? I love the sound of the recipie but don’t want to give my little one a bad tummy. Is it because you use split lentils that they are easily digested?
Amy says
Hi Kat,
Sorry for the delay but your message was filtered into my spam messages. The lentils are soaked overnight and then blended. The batter is then cooked. My boys never had an issue with them but if you don’t feel comfortable maybe you could wait a few months longer before trying them. Alternatively, you could try him with a small piece first and see how it goes or you could try baking the pancakes instead of frying.
Julie says
Just checking the lentils aren’t cooked? Do theubgo mushy by soaking overnight?
Amy says
Hi Julie, yes no need to cook – just soak over night 🙂