Green lentils
- First taste
- 6 months
- Choking risk
- low
- Common allergen
- yes
- Iron
- high
Iron-rich · legume allergen
Contains allergens
Each new allergen is offered on its own and watched for two hours. Our allergen introduction guide is available in Turkish for now.
When can babies eat green lentils?
When can babies have green lentils?
Lentils can be offered once your baby is ready for solids, from about 6 months. The NHS lists lentils and other pulses among suitable protein foods at 6 months. At 7 to 9 months it suggests iron-containing foods such as meat, fish, dark green vegetables, beans and lentils. An older Ministry of Health booklet places red lentil, white bean and chickpea purées on its month 8 chart.
Nutrition
Pulses contain protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber. According to the Ministry of Health booklet they are also rich in iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium. They provide B vitamins other than B12, and vitamin E. Plant iron is absorbed less well than animal iron, because the phytate in pulses lowers the use of iron and calcium.
Serve lentils with a food that provides vitamin C. The booklet notes that vitamin C improves the absorption of plant iron.
How do you prepare green lentils for babies?
Preparation basics
Rinse the lentils and cook them in plenty of water until very soft. For young babies, blend into a purée. If the skins do not mash smoothly, pass the purée through a sieve. Mixing with rice, bulgur or another cooked grain works well. The Ministry of Health booklet notes that well-cooked pulses mixed with grains improve the nutritional value of the mix. Do not add salt. The NHS says salt is not good for a baby's kidneys. Because some dried pulses contain lectin, the booklet advises soaking in water and cooking them thoroughly.
Preparation by age
The same food is served differently at each age. What matters is how your baby sits, grasps and chews, more than the calendar.
Prep time: 40 min
6 months
6 months · How to prepare as a puréemash
Cut: Smooth puree
Rinse the green lentils and cook them in plenty of water until very soft. Blend, and thin with the cooking water to a purée. If the skins do not blend smoothly, pass the purée through a sieve. Serve it with a vegetable rich in vitamin C to help iron absorption.
9 months
9 months · How to preparemash
Cut: Fork mashed
Lightly mash soft-cooked green lentils and mix with bulgur or rice to a thick consistency. The small grains stay on the spoon. You can also serve them as lentil patties.
12 months
12 months · How to servecube
Serve green lentils as whole grains in pilaf, soup or lentil bulgur. The grains are firmer than red lentils, so cook them well and keep the salt low.
Is green lentils a choking hazard for babies?
Choking risk: low
Well-cooked lentils are low risk. Undercooked, firm grains and whole beans can be a risk. Cook the grains until very soft.
Choking risk
Well-cooked lentils are soft and low risk. The CDC lists whole beans among choking hazards. So serve lentils as a purée at 6 months and lightly mashed at 9 months. Do not serve them if the grains are still firm. Stay with your baby during meals.
Is green lentils a common allergen?
Allergen status
Lentils belong to the legume family. The Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology counts legumes among common food allergens. Start with a small amount the first time and watch your baby. If you see a rash, vomiting or breathing difficulty, contact your doctor.
Key nutrients
Frequently asked questions about green lentils
Do lentils meet a baby's iron needs?
Lentils contain iron, but plant iron is absorbed less well than animal iron. Serving them with vitamin C-rich vegetables or fruit improves absorption. The NHS lists meat, fish, beans and lentils together among iron-containing foods.
Do I need to soak lentils?
The Ministry of Health booklet advises soaking some dried pulses that contain lectin and cooking them thoroughly. Rinsing lentils and cooking until very soft is usually enough, but soaking does no harm.
What is the difference between green and red lentils?
Green lentil grains are firmer and take longer to cook. Red lentils break down faster. Cook green lentils until very soft for a baby.
Can I add salt to lentil dishes?
No. The NHS says salt is not good for a baby's kidneys. Also avoid salty products such as instant lentil soup and stock cubes.
Sources for this page
- Dünya Sağlık Örgütü. (2023). Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6-23 months of age.
- NHS. (n.d.). Preparing food safely for babies.
- CDC, Infant and Toddler Nutrition. (n.d.). Choking Hazards.
- Halken S, Muraro A, de Silva D, Khaleva E, Angier E, Arasi S, et al. (2021). EAACI guideline: Preventing the development of food allergy in infants and young children (2020 update). European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. doi:10.1111/pai.13496
- Türkiye Ulusal Alerji ve Klinik İmmünoloji Derneği. (n.d.). Besin Alerjisi, öncelikli 10 besin.
- NHS Best Start in Life. (n.d.). Feeding your baby at 6 months.
- NHS Best Start in Life. (n.d.). Feeding your baby at 7 to 9 months.
- T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı. (2012). Bebek Beslenmesi (Sağlık Bakanlığı Yayın No: 726).
Guides on iron, allergen introduction, gagging and drinks. Read the starting solids guides
Medical note
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your pediatrician before any feeding decision, especially about allergen introduction and reactions.
The Lokmini app
Log green lentils, reactions and your allergen journey in the app.
Open in LokminiLokmini is coming soon to the App Store.
Astro Tasarım Simay Yenice · Türkiye · merhaba@lokmini.com