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Vegetarian Toddler Meals

Soft Lentil and Vegetable Patties with Mild Herb Infusion

By TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 16, 2026 | Updated Oct 4, 2026
International 40 mins easy-to-makevegetable-basedsoft-texturequick-prepfinger-food-friendlybalanced-nutritionsuitable-for-12-monthsbudget-friendlyquick & easylunchbox-friendlymake-aheadmild herb seasoning

Cooked red lentils, grated vegetables, oats and flaxseed form soft patties seasoned with parsley and thyme. Drain the lentils and squeeze the zucchini before mixing. Allow extra time for cooling and additional frying batches.

Soft Lentil and Vegetable Patties with Mild Herb Infusion
Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Servings 12
Difficulty easy
Cuisine International

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
Servings12
Difficultyeasy
CuisineInternational
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Ingredients

Servings 12
  • 3/4 cup red lentils
  • 1 1/2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 small carrot
  • 1 small zucchini
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/3 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for the mixture, plus a small amount for frying
  • Up to 3 tablespoons water, only as needed to adjust the mixture
Soft Lentil Vegetable Patties Mild Herb ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats
Soft Lentil Vegetable Patties Mild Herb ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook lentils by combining them with 1 1/2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the lentils are soft and most liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and allow lentils to cool slightly.
  3. While lentils cook, finely grate the carrot and zucchini. Use a clean towel or paper towels to pat the grated zucchini dry, removing excess moisture to ensure the patties hold together well.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated carrot, grated and drained zucchini, finely chopped yellow bell pepper, fresh parsley, thyme leaves, and ground coriander for gentle, toddler-friendly flavor.
  5. Add gluten-free rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and olive oil to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients. The oats and flaxseed serve as natural binders for the patties.
  6. If the mixture feels too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time, using up to 3 tablespoons only as needed to reach a soft, moldable consistency. If too wet, add a bit more oats to firm up the batter.
  7. Form the batter into small toddler-sized patties, approximately 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick, ideal for finger-food-friendly meals.
  8. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  9. Fry the patties gently for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Handle carefully to keep patties intact.
  10. Transfer patties to paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving to toddlers.
  11. Cool promptly in small portions and refrigerate within 1–2 hours. Use within 2 days. Reheat only once until steaming throughout, then cool to a suitable serving temperature. Discard food left on the child’s plate.
Soft Lentil Vegetable Patties Mild Herb process image for TinyTummyTreats
Soft Lentil Vegetable Patties Mild Herb process image for TinyTummyTreats

Preparation and timing notes

Use the listed flaxseed as a binder; an omission has not been validated. Add the adjustment water gradually, starting with 1 tablespoon and using up to the listed 3 tablespoons only if needed. The 2 tablespoons oil belong to the mixture; a separate small amount is needed for the pan. The listed 12 servings is not a verified patty count or a portion recommendation for every child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before starting?
Use the listed flaxseed as a binder; an omission has not been validated. Add the adjustment water gradually, starting with 1 tablespoon and using up to the listed 3 tablespoons only if needed. The 2 tablespoons oil belong to the mixture; a separate small amount is needed for the pan. The listed 12 servings is not a verified patty count or a portion recommendation for every child.
Can I freely substitute ingredients?
Follow the listed quantities and preparation. Substitutions can change texture and timing; only the options explicitly described in this recipe are suggested, without a claim of kitchen testing.

Ingredient choices

Use the ingredients and quantities listed. Check packaged ingredients and any plant milk for allergens. No universal allergy substitute or equivalent formula is established by this recipe.

Storage

Cool promptly in small portions and refrigerate within 1–2 hours. Use within 2 days. Reheat only once until steaming throughout, then cool to a suitable serving temperature. Discard food left on the child’s plate.

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