Green lentil and date bites with oregano
Green lentil and date bites with oregano A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Green lentil and date bites with oregano. SAFETY: REMOVE DATE PIT (choking hazard), REMOVE CELERY STRINGS (choking hazard), check lentils are well cooked.
A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Green lentil and date bites with oregano. SAFETY: REMOVE DATE PIT (choking hazard), REMOVE CELERY STRINGS (choking hazard), check lentils are well cooked.
Difficulty Little dishes, big smiles!
🍽️ 60 g green lentilsAlternative: salmon 🍽️ 80 g celeryAlternative: spinach 🍽️ 50 g quinoaAlternative: chia 🍽️ 30 g celeryAlternative: orange or kiwi 🫒 1 tbsp olive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil 🍽️ 3 g oreganoAlternative: nutmeg 🍽️ 50 g plain yogurtAlternative: fresh cheese 2 servings
Melting pieces, perfect for developing chewing safely.
No major allergen identified.
May contain traces of gluten.
per portion
Calories 206 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbs 20 g
Fat 7 g 1
CHECK lentil freshness (or use pre-cooked lentils, well drained) Cook the green lentils thoroughly (25-30 min, they must be very soft) WASH celery thoroughly and REMOVE ALL STRINGS (choking hazard) Cut the celery into regular 1 cm cubes (smaller than usual because of fibers) Cook the quinoa as directed (15 min)
Pit the dates and CUT INTO SMALL PIECES (date pit is choking hazard)
Reserve the tender celery leaves (vitamin C)
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature) Cutting board Paring knife Kitchen scale Mixing bowl Steamer pot CRITICAL: leaving a date pit is very dangerous CRITICAL: never leave celery strings Celery fibers are very dangerous for baby Do not cut too large: choking hazard Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys Never use pre-cooked lentils with added salt Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (0.8 cm) CRITICAL: confirm NO allergy before serving ALWAYS remove celery strings (very dangerous) ALWAYS remove date pit Take out 30 min before for better incorporation 2
Mash the cooked green lentils in a large bowl Add the celery cubes and quinoa, mix gently Add the pitted date pieces and chopped celery leaves Add the plain yogurt as binder Pour in the olive oil and oregano Mix with a wooden spoon Shape the bites with damp hands (diameter 3 cm) Coat each bite with a thin layer of quinoa Place on a tray lined with parchment Let rest 5 min in the fridge Large bowl Wooden spoon Fork Clean hands Tray lined with parchment Do not overmix: lentils break Do not add too much flour: bites become too dense Do not forget to make bites compact: otherwise they crumble Do not make bites too big: max 4 cm diameter Do not leave air in the bites Always check yogurt freshness If the dough is too sticky: add 1 tsp rice flour If too dry: add 1 tsp liquid (water or adapted milk) Shape with damp hands: the bites won't stick Make small round bites for finger food Vary sizes according to age For 24-36 months: bigger bites 3
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan Lightly oil a baking sheet Arrange the bites leaving 2 cm between each Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 min Check cooking halfway through Meanwhile, prepare the oregano sauce: yogurt + oregano + 1 tsp olive oil Mix the sauce well and chill Remove the bites when golden Let cool 3-4 min Test the temp with a finger: warm Serve immediately with the sauce on the side Baking sheet Pastry brush Fork Tongs Small bowl Timer Do not forget to preheat Do not overcrowd the sheet Do not open the oven in the first 8 min Do not overcook: bites become hard Do not serve sauce too warm (kills probiotics) Always check lentils are well cooked Check cooking: golden brown outside For 12-18 months: more moist cooking For 24-36 months: more golden cooking If browning too fast: lower to 160°C Test with a toothpick: should come out clean Sauce: serve cold to preserve probiotics 4
FINAL CHECK: check no date pit + no celery strings remain Prepare a fresh celery leaf garnish Arrange the warm bites on baby's plate Add small celery leaf pieces around Serve the oregano sauce in a small separate bowl Show how to pick up the bites Serve warm Watch baby during the meal Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling) Put leftovers in the fridge Baby plate Small bowl + suction cup Spoon Non-slip cloth Phone (emergency) Do not serve burning hot FINAL CHECK for date pit + celery strings before serving Always serve celery leaves finely chopped Do not leave baby alone Do not reheat several times NEVER serve dates with pit to baby Serve warm: flavors are more developed Celery leaves add color and vitamin C For 12-18 months: cut bites in half Silicone bowl with suction cup Offer 2-3 different sides Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction 
