Red Lentils Puree with Turnip, Zucchini, Sweet Potatoes and aromatic Cloves

Did you know that Turnips are related to broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and collards? Just like raw cabbage, Turnips also have the pungent flavor in their leaves and roots. If you are thinking this does not seem like something I will be adding in my baby’s food, let me tell you, the flavors change after you cook. They get milder and actually go very well in a creamy puree with other ingredients. When preparing baby food try to go for the smaller younger turnips. They have a better texture and taste. Also, do not give any raw fruits or vegetables to your baby till they are chewing well and older. I actually cook all the fruits as well because first, they get creamier when cooked and second, the digestive system of a puree eating baby is still maturing and I don’t want to deal with an upset tummy. I started adding turnips in baby Prisha’s food after she was 9 months old so they are definitely not the first baby foods.

Now do not take turnips as just another vegetable. They are loaded with Vitamin B6, folate, calcium, potassium, and copper. Turnips are also a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese.

The lentils, zucchini and sweet potatoes make this puree sweet and creamy and perfect for the addition of turnips. This delicious puree can be served for lunch or dinner and kept in the fridge for up-to two days. Remember to remove the cloves before making the puree, they won't harm baby’s digestion but may overwhelm the aroma and flavor.

Ingredients:

• Red Lentils – ¼ cup, washed
• Turnip – 2/3 cup, peeled, cut into cubes and washed
• Zucchini – 1, cut into cubes, washed
• Sweet Potatoes – 2/3 cup, peeled, cut into cubes and washed
• Cloves – 2-3
• Salt – a pinch
• Turmeric powder – a pinch
• Ghee – ¼ teaspoon

Directions:

• Transfer all the ingredients to a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water. Mix and cover with the lid.
• Let it cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat.
• Once the pressure drops, remove the cloves and puree in your blender or Nutri bullet.
• Adjust the consistency of the puree before serving to your baby (sweet potatoes and lentils may absorb more water once cooled).
• This puree can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days.

Try these Baby Food purees as well:

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