How to Make the Perfect Sweet Potato and Lentil Puree
American · Easy · 35 min · 6 servings
This creamy sweet potato and lentil puree is loaded with iron, fiber, and vitamins essential for growing toddlers. It has a naturally sweet and mild flavor that most toddlers absolutely love.
Why this recipe works
This Sweet Potato and Lentil Puree recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 145 calories with 7g 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:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 0.75 cup red lentils rinsed
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the sweet potato
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cubed sweet potato and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly coated in the oil and beginning to soften on the edges.
Step 2: Add lentils and liquid
Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir in the cumin and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer until tender
Cover the pot and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until both the lentils and sweet potatoes are completely soft and falling apart. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the mixture looks too thick.
Step 4: Blend and serve
Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree until completely smooth. Allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving to your toddler in small portions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- vegetable broth → low sodium chicken broth for added flavor
- sweet potato → butternut squash which provides a similar sweetness and texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the lentils before cooking which can cause digestive discomfort in toddlers
- Serving the puree too hot without checking the temperature which can burn sensitive toddler mouths
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 145 calories, 7g protein, 26g carbs, 2g fat, 5g fiber.
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