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Vegetarian Toddler Meals

Lentil and Spinach Baked Balls

By TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 7, 2026 | Updated Oct 17, 2026
International 110 mins recipevegetable-based

Cooked red lentils, spinach, carrot and oats formed into small balls and baked. Cook and drain the lentils before mixing. Estimated timing (not kitchen-tested): preparation 15 minutes; cooking 50 minutes; additional elapsed time 45 minutes; total about 110 minutes. Additional time includes the relevant cooling, chilling, soaking, marinating or resting stages. Cooling varies with room temperature and portion size. Times are planning estimates based on the instructions. Follow the stated doneness and temperature checks, and extend cooking or cooling as needed.

Lentil and Spinach Baked Balls
Prep 15 min
Cook 50 min
Total 110 min
Servings 12
Difficulty easy
Cuisine International

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook50 min
Total110 min
Servings12
Difficultyeasy
CuisineInternational
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Ingredients

Servings 12
  • 3/4 cup (150g) red lentils
  • 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach
  • 1 small carrot
  • 1/4 cup small onion
  • 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon mild ground cumin
  • Water or low-sodium vegetable broth, as directed on the red-lentil package for cooking 3/4 cup dry lentils
  • 3 tablespoons water, for the flax binder
Lentil Spinach Meatballs ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats
Lentil Spinach Meatballs ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook the rinsed red lentils using the liquid quantity and cooking directions on their package until tender. Drain thoroughly, then let cool before mixing. Do not use the former half-cup liquid allowance.
  3. Prepare the flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water. Set aside for 5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and grated carrot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  5. Lightly mash the cooked lentils in a large mixing bowl to a soft, slightly textured consistency.
  6. Add sautéed vegetables, rolled oats, flax egg, garlic powder, and cumin to the mashed lentils. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together. Adjust texture by adding a teaspoon of water if too dry or a bit more oats if too wet.
  7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  8. Shape the mixture into 12 small balls about 1-1.5 inches across and place on the lined baking tray.
  9. Brush or lightly spray meatballs with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to coat the surface.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until meatballs are set and lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
  11. Serve as a general recipe; choose accompaniments according to individual needs.
  12. Refrigerate promptly in an airtight container and use within 3 days. Reheat the portion needed until hot throughout.
Lentil Spinach Meatballs process image for TinyTummyTreats
Lentil Spinach Meatballs process image for TinyTummyTreats

Timing and preparation

Cook the measured dry red lentils using the liquid quantity and cooking directions on their package, then drain thoroughly and cool before mixing. The previous half-cup liquid direction was insufficient. Flax binding uses a separate 3 tablespoons water. Final mixture texture and yield have not been kitchen-tested; do not infer age suitability.

Serving notes

This is a general recipe. Serving needs vary; the recipe does not establish suitability for a particular age or eating ability.

Ingredient choices

Follow the listed ingredients and quantities. Substitutions may change consistency and are not verified equivalents. No age-suitability or allergy-safety claim is made.

Storage

Refrigerate promptly in an airtight container and use within 3 days. Reheat the portion needed until hot throughout.

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