Dhal is basically a lentil dish. The recipes below use red lentils which can either be bought tinned or dried. If using red dried lentils, read the preparation guide on the bag first as most will instruct to soak the lentils in hot water for 1 – 2 hours or longer.

The recipes below will make enough for the whole family. If cooking just for baby, half the amounts below to get enough to freeze a few portions.

For the adult recipe you may want to add 100g of ghee instead of butter, 1 tsp of chili powder, 2 tsp mustard or mustard powder, 2 extra tsp of garam masala and 1 star anise. If cooking for an older baby, you may want to add some or all of these in. For the Indian cuisine beginner, you will find that the recipe is tasty enough for now.

Basic Dhal Recipe

Ingredients:

100g/3 ½ oz butter

1 tsp garlic, crushed
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped and mixed
2 tsp powdered turmeric
5g/1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
15g/3 tsp ground coriander
2 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
1 cinnamon stick
1 large whole tomato, diced finely
1 medium onion, diced finely
2 sticks celery, diced finely
2L/3½pt water
1kg/2¼lb red lentils, washed well and prepared as per packet instructions if dried

Method:

Step 1. Heat the butter in a large heavy-based saucepan until it begins to simmer.

Step 2. Add the garlic, ginger, spices, herbs, tomato, onion and celery. Fry for about 10 minutes until any excess liquid has evaporated.

Step 3. Add the water and bring to the boil. Stir the lentils in. Cook on low heat for about half an hour, until the lentils are soft, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra water if the dhal becomes too thick.

Step 4. for older babies, serve as it is. For younger babies, blend to a puree.

For babies who have begun finger foods, this is an excellent time to introduce naan bread. It will be a big hit!

Vegetarian and Vegan Dhal

Use the above recipe as the base mix. For vegans, replace the butter with your usual butter or spread substitute.

At Step 2, add finely diced carrots, leek, frozen peas and pre cooked spinach. For the instructions to cook spinach check out my recipe for Tomato and Spinach Bake

Lemon Chicken Dhal

At Step 2 add finely diced chicken and stir until the chicken is fully cooked. This should be done within the normal 10 minutes. Add a large squeeze of half a lemon then continue to Step 3.

Minted Lamb Dhal

At Step 2 add minced lamb and 2 tsp of dried mint. Once the lamb is cooked continue to Step 3.

Gingered Beef Dhal

At Step 2 add an extra tsp of finely chopped fresh ginger and beef mince or finely diced beef steak. Once the beef is cooked continue to Step 3.