Lentil Hummus

Cook lentils until completely soft and mash them smooth, on their own or stirred into a thicker purée. They mix well with vegetable or meat purées.

Garlic adds depth to early meals without any salt. Finely mince or mash a small amount and cook it soft into purees, mashed vegetables, beans, or sauces. It is a seasoning rather than a finger food, so a little stirred through a dish is all a baby needs. Skip raw garlic and whole cloves at this stage.

Tahini is a smooth way to offer sesame, one of the common allergens worth introducing early. Stir a small spoonful into yogurt, oatmeal, or a vegetable purée, or thin it with breast milk, formula, or water until it pours easily. Give it on its own the first time and watch for any reaction. Keep it smooth and never serve a thick spoonful straight.

Lemon is very tart, so it is usually a flavoring rather than a food on its own. Squeeze a little juice into purees, plain yogurt, or cooked vegetables, or stir a small amount of finely grated zest into a dish. Remove all seeds first and wipe baby's face afterward, since the acidity can redden delicate skin.

Stir a small drizzle of olive oil into a smooth purée or soft mash to add calories and richness. Use it as a cooking fat for vegetables or grains, or fold a little into the finished food just before serving.