How to Make the Perfect Soft Carrot and Lentil Fritters
Middle Eastern · Medium · 25 min · 8 servings
Packed with plant-based protein and beta-carotene, these gentle fritters are ideal for introducing babies to legumes during baby led weaning. They are soft enough to mash between gums while maintaining their shape for easy self-feeding.
Why this recipe works
This Soft Carrot and Lentil Fritters recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 85 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 0.5 cup red lentils cooked and drained
- 1 cup carrot grated finely
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons oat flour
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Place the cooked and drained red lentils in a bowl and mash roughly with a fork leaving some texture. Add the finely grated carrot and mix to combine evenly throughout the lentil mixture.
Step 2: Bind the Mixture
Add the egg, oat flour, and cumin powder to the lentil carrot mixture. Stir well until everything is combined and the mixture is thick enough to hold a shape when pressed together.
Step 3: Cook the Fritters
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of mixture and flatten slightly in the pan. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and firm.
Step 4: Cool and Offer
Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to cool completely. Offer whole small fritters or cut into strips depending on baby developmental stage and pincer grip ability.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- red lentils → cooked and mashed chickpeas
- oat flour → chickpea flour or almond flour
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using wet lentils that have not been drained well causing fritters to fall apart in baby hands
- Cooking on heat that is too high which burns the outside before the inside is cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 85 calories, 5g protein, 12g carbs, 2g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →