🍲 Atıştırmalık · 2 yaş
Soft Red Lentil Patties — A Nourishing Finger-Food Snack for 2-Year-Olds
Red lentils and fine bulgur simmered until tender and folded with parsley into little patties that are easy to hold and gently squash. From age 2, very lightly spiced, filling, and just right for eating with little fingers.
⚠️ Contains allergens: gluten
Ingredients
- 1 cup Red lentils (rinsed)
- 1 cup Fine bulgur (for köfte)
- 2.5 cups Drinking water
- 1 piece Small onion (finely grated)
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Grated fresh tomato (optional)
- 1 small pinch Ground cumin (optional, very little)
Directions
- 1
Wash your hands and the bowl and spoons you will use. Rinse the red lentils in a sieve until the water runs clear.
- 2
Put the lentils in a pot and add the water; cook over low heat, stirring now and then, for 18-20 minutes until very soft and broken down and the water is absorbed.
- 3
Turn off the heat, stir the fine bulgur into the hot lentils, cover the pot and let it rest for 15 minutes until the bulgur softens and absorbs the moisture.
- 4
In a separate pan, warm the olive oil; add the finely grated onion and, if you like, the grated tomato, and sauté gently over low heat until soft, adding a tiny bit of cumin if desired.
- 5
Add the onion mixture and the finely chopped parsley to the lentil-bulgur mix; let it cool to warm and knead by hand into a smooth dough.
- 6
Take walnut-sized pieces of the dough and press lightly in your palm to shape soft, small, easy-to-squash patties.
- 7
Bring the patties to a warmth you test on the back of your hand and serve them in small bites while your child is seated and under your supervision.
🌱 Why is it nourishing?
Red lentils, rich in plant protein and iron, can be a filling option for the busy 2-year-old stage. Combined with fine bulgur, they take on a soft yet cohesive texture that can support holding food and self-feeding. Parsley adds fresh flavor and color, while olive oil gives a soft consistency. Kept lightly spiced, these patties can gently help develop hand-eating skills.
Maiyko's note
At Maiyko, we care about little hands exploring on their own. Prepare these patties without added salt, in soft and small pieces; serve them fresh, and always let your child eat seated and under your supervision. Health Note: This content is for informational purposes only; please make decisions about your child's nutrition and health in consultation with your pediatrician.
Nutrition per serving
130
kcal
6 g
protein
19 g
carbs
4 g
fat
5 g
fiber
Foods in this recipe
⚕️ This recipe is for general informational purposes. The right time to introduce new foods and the risk of allergies vary from baby to baby — consult your pediatrician.
