Iron-Rich Tomato Soup with Red Lentils: A Nourishing and Delicious Dish

This recipe is for 8 month old baby & up

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food, but when paired with nutrient-packed red lentils, it transforms into a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. This iron-rich tomato soup is not only hearty and delicious but also a great way to boost your daily iron intake, making it perfect for anyone looking to support their health, especially growing children. As babies and toddlers grow, their nutritional needs increase, especially for iron, a crucial mineral that supports brain development, energy production, and healthy blood. Iron-rich tomato soup made with red lentils is a gentle yet nutrient-packed meal perfect for little ones. It’s easy to digest, naturally sweetened by vegetables, and can be tailored to suit tiny taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a nutritious meal prep option, this iron-rich tomato soup with red lentils ticks all the boxes. It’s simple, satisfying, and a fantastic way to nourish your body while enjoying the cozy flavors of a classic tomato soup.

Why Iron Matters for Babies & Toddlers?

Iron is vital for young children’s development, particularly as they transition to solid foods. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and delayed growth. Since babies and toddlers often get less iron than they need, incorporating iron-rich foods into their diet is essential. This soup combines red lentils, tomatoes, and other nutrient-dense ingredients to create a balanced, iron-boosting meal.

Why Iron-Rich Tomato Soup?

Red Lentils: A great plant-based source of iron and protein, red lentils are soft and easy to digest. Their mild flavor blends well with other ingredients, making them perfect for picky eaters.
Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, tomatoes enhance the absorption of iron from lentils, making the soup more effective at delivering this key nutrient.
Vegetable Base: Red bell pepper, tomatoes and onions can be added to increase fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, making the soup appealing to young palates.
Smooth Texture: The soup is blended into a creamy consistency, making it safe and easy for babies and toddlers to eat.
Picky Eaters: If you have a picky eater at home this soup is wonderful. With it’s yummy flavor, you can’t even tell there are veggies and red lentils in there.

Why This Soup is Great for Parents Too:

-First off, this soup is absolutely delicious. The best way to eat it is by dipping some grilled cheese inside, so yum! I love a meal that the whole family can enjoy together.

-This recipe freezes really well, it’s simple to make and can be cooked in batches, saving busy parents time.

-This Tomato Soup is naturally vegan and allergen friendly, it is egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.

-It is not only high in iron, but also high in protein, fiber, folate, making this an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C, making them the perfect partner to the red lentils. When you pair Vitamin C rich foods with iron, it enhances the bodies ability to absorb iron.

Serving Suggestions:

-I personally can’t eat tomato soup on it’s own, I always need something with it and so do my kids. The best way to eat this is with a yummy grilled cheese and dip it in the soup, it really is so good! Or you can eat it along side sourdough bread or a buttered baguette.

-For babies and younger toddlers you can cut the grilled cheese in small squares and put it over the soup, that way the grilled cheese gets soft and is easy for little one’s to chew.

-Or serve with a dollop of plain yogurt and drizzle some olive oil.

-It also goes really well with grated parmesan.

Substitutions:

Red lentils- I don’t recommend substituting the lentils in this recipe. You can use yellow lentils as well.

Tomatoes- I used roma and plum tomatoes, you can use whichever tomatoes you have or add two different kinds. The sweeter the tomatoes the better flavor the soup will be.

Red bell pepper- You can omit if preferred or replace with a 1-2 carrots.

Onion & garlic- These give the soup a lot of flavor, you can replace with onion and garlic powder if preferred.

Water or broth- Before blending you need to add a liquid, you can use whichever you prefer, water, veggie broth or chicken broth.