Sweet Potato, Apple & Dhal Curry (V) – 7 months plus
Dhal (lentils) are a staple in many Asian households and are highly recommended for babies following a vegetarian diet.
SuperFoods included: olive oil, onion, ginger, garlic, sweet potato
SuperSpices included: cumin, cinnamon
Lentils are bursting with protein, required for healthy growth and development and along with apples are high in fibre, necessary for a healthy balanced diet. Sweet potato is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), required for healthy skin, vision and alongside cumin and cinnamon, great for the immune system.
Total preparation and cooking time: 30-35mins
Makes 6 servings
Suitable for freezing
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion – peeled, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp minced ginger
- ¼ tsp minced garlic
- Pinch of ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 125g (4oz) red lentils – soaked in water (10mins), washed, drained
- 1 small sweet potato – washed, peeled, cubed
- 550ml (1 pint) of water
- 1 sweet apple – peeled, cored, chopped into small chunks
Method
Heat the oil in a pot, add the onion and stir-fry for 3-4mins. Turn to low heat and add the ginger, garlic, cumin and cinnamon and stir-fry for a further 30secs.
Add the lentils to the pot, along with the sweet potato, cover with the water and stir. Bring to the boil and simmer (uncovered) on medium heat for 20mins, until both the lentils and potato are tender.
Whilst the lentils and potato are cooking, steam the apple chunks using a steamer or steam them in the microwave by placing them in a microwavable dish and adding 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the dish with either a lid (leaving a small vent) or cling film (piercing a few holes), and cook in the microwave on high for 1½-2mins until tender. Once cooked, drain the excess water and add to the curry at the end.
Stir and mash the whole curry to a consistency your little one will be comfortable eating. Delicious served on its own or with rice or roti for toddlers.
Recipe from Indian SuperMeals: Baby & Toddler Cookbook
Available to buy now from Waterstones.com and Autharium.com.
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The below disclaimer will need to be placed at the bottom of each page with a recipe on.
NB: As with new foods, when introducing a new spice into a baby’s diet, the four day rule should be adhered to, to ensure no allergic reactions. In the unlikely event of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.