Mexican Lentil Bake

Mexican Lentil Bake, fantastic as part of a main meal or to pop into a lunch box.

When Rory first started solids I developed a lot of recipes that made doing BLW (baby led weaning) easier when out and about. Although he ate what we ate at home, I often found it difficult to find something to order for him when we were at a restaurant. I wanted healthy, finger foods that limited mess and that would taste great hot or cold. Fast forward a couple of years and I am now revisiting all these recipes again but this time for packing into Finn’s school lunch box.

mexican lentil bake. Packed with veggies. High protein, finger food. Great for BLW (baby led weaning) and great for the lunch box.

One recipe that I like to make a lot is my curried lentil bake. I like it because I can make it and serve it with a salad/vegetables in the evening and then pack the leftovers in the pack lunch box. I recently received a comment from a reader (Hi Amanda, if you are reading) who had said that she loves lentil bakes and would like to see some more variations on the blog. She suggested a Mexican version and a Kale and Mushroom version. I loved the sound of a Mexican Lentil Bake so here it is!

mexican lentil bake. Packed with veggies. High protein, finger food. Great for BLW (baby led weaning) and great for the lunch box.

I kept the base recipe the same but replaced the curry powder with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano and fresh corriander (cilantro). Instead of the carrot I added red pepper and replaced the potato with kidney beans.

Mexican lentil bake. Packed with veggies. High protein, finger food. Great for BLW (baby led weaning) and great for the lunch box.

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Mexican Lentil Bake, delicious as part of a main meal or packed into a lunch box.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves:8

Hover over “serves” value to reveal recipe scaler

Instructions

Pre heat oven to 180C/350F/Gas4
Heat oil in pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery and pepper then reduce the heat to low and cook for approx. 10 mins (until softened.)
Add the smoked paprika, cumin and oregano and cook for a further minute
Add the lentils, puree and stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow to simmer until cooked (lentils soft and stock absorbed) (approx. 20 mins)
Once lentils are cooked, allow to cool slightly then add the kidney beans, eggs, cheese and corriander. Stir until combined.
Place the mixture in a greased, ovenproof dish (mine was 10″ x 7.5″)
Bake in the oven for 30-40 mins or until set and golden (mine took 35 mins) but timings will vary with ovens.
Slice and serve.