Sweet and savory red lentil watermelon meatballs A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Sweet and savory red lentil and watermelon meatballs with turmeric. SAFETY: ALWAYS REMOVE WATERMELON SEEDS (choking hazard), watch out for egg allergy, use mild turmeric dose.
A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Sweet and savory red lentil and watermelon meatballs with turmeric. SAFETY: ALWAYS REMOVE WATERMELON SEEDS (choking hazard), watch out for egg allergy, use mild turmeric dose.
Sweet and savory red lentil watermelon meatballs
Difficulty Little dishes, big smiles!
🍽️ 60 g red lentilsAlternative: chicken 🍽️ 80 g pumpkinAlternative: carrot 🍽️ 50 g corn starchAlternative: chia 🍽️ 30 g pumpkinAlternative: orange or kiwi 🫒 1 tbsp olive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil 🍽️ 3 g turmericAlternative: parsley 🍽️ 50 piece eggAlternative: fresh cheese 2 servings
Melting pieces, perfect for developing chewing safely.
No major allergen identified.
May contain traces of gluten.
per portion
Calories 134 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbs 13 g
Fat 6 g 1
CHECK lentil freshness (or use pre-cooked lentils, well drained) Cook the red lentils thoroughly (15-20 min, they must be very soft) PEEL the pumpkin and remove seeds Cut the pumpkin into regular 1.5 cm cubes Cook the corn starch as directed (3 min)
Cut watermelon flesh and REMOVE ALL SEEDS (CRITICAL - choking hazard)
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature) Cutting board Paring knife Kitchen scale Mixing bowl Steamer pot CRITICAL: watermelon seeds are very dangerous Do NOT serve if baby is egg-allergic Do not cut too large: choking hazard Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys Never use pre-cooked lentils with added salt Always use mild turmeric dose Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm) CRITICAL: confirm NO egg allergy before serving ALWAYS remove watermelon seeds Always use mild turmeric dose Take out 30 min before for better incorporation 2
Mix the cooked corn starch and pumpkin cubes in a large bowl Add the red lentils and seedless watermelon, mix gently Add the beaten egg as binder Pour in the olive oil and turmeric Mix with a wooden spoon Shape meatballs with damp hands (diameter 3 cm) Coat each meatball with a thin layer of corn starch 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: meatballs become too dense Do not forget to make meatballs compact: otherwise they crumble Do not make meatballs too big: max 4 cm diameter Do not leave air in the meatballs Always check egg 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 meatballs won't stick Make small round meatballs for finger food Vary sizes according to age For 24-36 months: bigger meatballs 3
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan Lightly oil a baking sheet Arrange the meatballs leaving 2 cm between each Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 min Check cooking halfway through Meanwhile, prepare the turmeric sauce: yogurt + pinch turmeric + 1 tsp olive oil Mix the sauce well and chill Remove the meatballs 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: meatballs become hard Do not serve sauce too warm (kills probiotics) Always use mild turmeric dose 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: confirm NO egg allergy + check no watermelon seeds remain Prepare a fresh seedless watermelon garnish Arrange the warm meatballs on baby's plate Add small seedless watermelon pieces around Serve the turmeric sauce in a small separate bowl Show how to pick up the meatballs Serve warm Watch baby during the meal Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling - egg) 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 watermelon seeds + egg allergy before serving Always serve watermelon WITHOUT seeds Do not leave baby alone Do not reheat several times NEVER serve egg to egg-allergic baby Serve warm: flavors are more developed Seedless watermelon adds natural sweetness For 12-18 months: cut meatballs in half Silicone bowl with suction cup Offer 2-3 different sides Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction 
