Introducing solid foods to your little one is an exciting and important milestone. At 10 months old, babies are ready to explore a variety of flavors and textures, especially when it comes to vegetarian options packed with nutrients.
Preparing homemade vegetarian baby food not only ensures your baby is eating fresh, wholesome ingredients but also helps develop their palate and eating habits early on. From creamy vegetable purees to soft lentil blends, these recipes are designed to be gentle on your baby’s developing digestive system while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Whether you’re a vegetarian family or simply want to incorporate more plant-based meals, these recipes will make mealtime fun, nutritious, and stress-free.
In this post, you’ll find easy-to-make, balanced vegetarian baby food recipes perfect for your 10-month-old, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving ideas. Let’s dive into nourishing your baby with delightful and colorful meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegetarian baby food recipes are thoughtfully crafted to support your baby’s growth and development. They are:
- Nutritious – packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins.
- Easy to prepare – simple steps and common kitchen equipment make cooking quick and convenient.
- Gentle on digestion – soft textures and mild flavors suit sensitive baby tummies.
- Versatile – you can mix and match ingredients or add your own twists to keep mealtimes interesting.
- Allergen-conscious – free from common allergens like nuts and dairy, making it safe for most babies.
Plus, these recipes encourage healthy eating habits early on and are a perfect introduction to the world of vegetarian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | 1 cup, peeled and chopped | Fresh or frozen |
| Sweet Potato | 1 medium, peeled and diced | Rich in beta-carotene |
| Peas | 1/2 cup, shelled | Frozen peas work well |
| Lentils (red or yellow) | 1/4 cup, rinsed | Cooked soft for protein |
| Apple | 1 small, peeled and chopped | For natural sweetness |
| Spinach | 1 cup fresh | Rich in iron and vitamins |
| Oatmeal (baby oats) | 2 tablespoons | For texture and fiber |
| Water or breast milk/formula | As needed for consistency | Use to thin purees |
| Olive oil | 1 teaspoon | Optional for healthy fats |
Equipment
- Steamer basket or pot with lid
- Blender or food processor
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Spoon and baby feeding bowls
- Storage containers for leftovers
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables and fruits. Wash, peel, and chop carrots, sweet potato, apple, and spinach into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Steam the carrots and sweet potato. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 10-12 minutes until very tender.
- Cook the lentils. Rinse the lentils thoroughly, then place in a small saucepan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until soft.
- Steam the peas and spinach. In the last 5 minutes of steaming carrots and sweet potato, add peas and spinach to the steamer to soften.
- Cook the oatmeal. Prepare baby oatmeal according to package instructions, using water or breast milk for added creaminess.
- Blend all ingredients. Combine steamed vegetables, cooked lentils, apple pieces, and oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Add water or breast milk/formula to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency perfect for your baby.
- Add olive oil. Stir in a teaspoon of olive oil to provide healthy fats, essential for brain development.
- Cool and serve. Allow the puree to cool to a safe temperature before feeding to your baby.
- Store leftovers. Portion any remaining puree into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 1 month.
Tips & Variations
Always check the temperature of the food before feeding your baby to avoid burns.
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonality and your baby’s preferences. For example, try zucchini, pumpkin, or butternut squash for variety.
You can also add a pinch of mild herbs like basil or parsley to introduce new flavors gently.
If your baby is ready for more texture, try mashing the puree slightly instead of blending it completely smooth. This helps develop chewing skills.
For a protein boost, you can add mashed cooked chickpeas or small amounts of soft tofu, but always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods.
Looking for more vegetable-based ideas? Check out these recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try some Recipes with Spinach Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas to expand your veggie repertoire!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90-100 kcal |
| Protein | 3-4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15-18 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-4 grams |
| Fat | 3-4 grams (mostly healthy fats from olive oil) |
| Vitamin A | High (from carrots and sweet potatoes) |
| Iron | Moderate (from lentils and spinach) |
| Vitamin C | Moderate (from peas and apple) |
Serving Suggestions
Serve the puree warm with a soft spoon, making sure to feed your baby in a comfortable, upright position. You can accompany this meal with some soft finger foods like steamed veggie sticks or small pieces of ripe avocado to encourage self-feeding.
As your baby grows, try mixing this puree with small amounts of mashed rice or quinoa for added texture and nutrition. Pairing it with a little unsweetened yogurt can also make a creamy, delicious meal.
For inspiration on wholesome vegetarian snacks and desserts for your family, explore our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to add variety to your meal planning.
Conclusion
Feeding your 10-month-old baby vegetarian meals can be both enjoyable and nourishing with a little planning and creativity. These simple, wholesome recipes are designed to provide essential nutrients while introducing your baby to a world of plant-based flavors.
By focusing on fresh, natural ingredients like vegetables, fruits, lentils, and healthy fats, you can ensure your baby’s meals are balanced and satisfying.
Remember, every baby is unique, so feel free to adapt textures and ingredients to your child’s preferences and developmental stage. With these recipes and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to offer a variety of tasty vegetarian foods that support healthy growth and happy mealtimes.
For more creative vegetarian ideas, don’t forget to browse our extensive collection of recipes to keep your little one excited about their food journey.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Sweet Potato and Lentil Mash
Description: A nutritious and easy-to-digest meal perfect for 10-month-old babies. This recipe combines sweet potatoes and red lentils for a wholesome vegetarian option.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 200g), peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup red lentils (50g), rinsed
- 1 small carrot (about 70g), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A pinch of mild ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped spinach
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional, for added B vitamins)
- Breast milk or formula as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Rinse red lentils thoroughly under cold water.
- In a small pot, combine sweet potato, carrot, lentils, and water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until soft.
- Add spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Mash the mixture with a fork or blend until smooth, adding breast milk or formula to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in olive oil, cumin, and nutritional yeast if using.
- Let cool to a safe temperature before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 25 g
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