This recipe is suitable for 6 month old baby & up
Split Pea Soup for Baby is a warm, vegan, nourishing meal, perfect for baby's lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, split peas are a great addition to your baby’s growing diet. It is vegan, allergen friendly, made with no gluten, eggs or dairy. This soft, easily digestible soup is perfect for babies who are around 6-8 months old, as it offers a smooth, pureed texture that’s easy for them to manage. This soup comes out so delicious, I myself enjoy it with a piece of sourdough bread.
Whether served as a smooth puree or a chunkier, more textured meal, this hearty soup provides essential nutrition and is easy for babies to digest. With the option to add mild spices and customize the texture, split pea soup is a versatile and delicious choice that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Why Split Pea Soup for Baby?
Nutrient-Rich: Split peas are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are an excellent source of plant
protein, which is essential for your baby’s growth and development. As your baby transitions from breast milk or formula, it’s important to include plant-based protein sources like split peas to diversify their diet. Split peas are also high in
fiber, which supports healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation—something many parents struggle with during the early stages of solid food introduction. Additionally, split peas are a good source of
iron, which is crucial for your baby’s cognitive development and overall growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: Besides protein and fiber, split peas provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including
vitamin A, which supports eye health, and
folate, which is essential for healthy cell division. The iron content in split peas can also help prevent iron-deficiency anemia, which is a common concern in babies who are transitioning off formula or breast milk.
Easily Digestible: When cooked and pureed, split pea soup becomes soft and easy to digest, making it an ideal first food for babies starting solids. The soup can be thinned out to achieve the right consistency for your baby’s age and development. As your baby becomes more accustomed to eating solids, you can gradually introduce more texture by leaving some of the peas a little chunkier, allowing them to practice chewing and swallowing. It's so gentle on the tummy, making it a perfect healthy, easy lunch or dinner idea for baby.
Tips for Serving Split Pea Soup to Your Baby:
-Adjust the Texture: Depending on your baby’s age and ability to chew, you can adjust the texture of the soup. For younger babies, keep it very smooth, but for older babies or toddlers, you can leave it a bit chunkier to encourage chewing and self-feeding.
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Spices and Flavor: While babies don’t need added salt or heavy seasonings, this soup is made with mild spices like turmeric, to give the soup a gentle flavor. You can cook the peas in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor & nutrition. Add some soft pieces of bread into baby's soup, the bread will soften making it easy for baby to eat.
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Freeze for Later: Split pea soup for baby freezes wonderfully, so make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals throughout the week. This can be a lifesaver for busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
Substitutions:
Dried Split peas: if you aren't a fan of peas they can be substituted with green lentils.
Onion: I don't recommend substituting the onion in this recipe.
Parsley: You can omit if you prefer.
Water: In place of water, try adding some low-sodium chicken broth for added nutrients.
What you need:
A medium size pot. I like to use my
Our Place non-stick, made with no forever chemicals and the food always comes out amazing.
Blender or
hand blender
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out other lunch or dinner ideas for baby:
Potato Beef Pate
Creamy Lentil Chicken Soup
Red Lentil Soup
Peas & Carrots Meal