My 3 year old's favourite dinner

My three year old's favourite dinner is none other than...LENTILS! This meal ends up equating to just under $3 per serve (even less if you take out store bought bone broth). It's unbelievable because lentils are such a healthy dish and his diet consists of A LOT of "beige" food. He also has an aversion to meat so I am upping his plant-based protein sources (where possible...)and supplementing in certain areas to support his immune system (we've had a good three months of every type of sickness). I have tested this on a number of toddlers with success but I would LOVE to hear your thoughts so please let me know via instagram if your toddler eats it!

Ingredients
1.5 cups of red lentils (soaked over night or all day, I also add apple cider vinegar to break down phytates)
1.5 cups diced kent pumpkin
1 brown onion, diced
Spices of choice (I used 1.5 tsp paprika, 2 tsp cumin but you could use any spices you desire)
Knob of ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1.5 cups bone broth or good quality stock
1-1.5 cups filtered water (keep adding until absorbed)
1 small can coconut milk 
Salt & pepper to taste (can omit if cooking for baby)
Basmati rice (to serve)

Optional toppings for toddler:
Papadams
Yoghurt
Mango chutney ... or whatever will make your child eat it! 

Optional toppings for Mum & Dad:
Coriander
Lime
Yoghurt
Crushed nuts 

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Dice pumpkin, drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven until caramelised (you can remove from the oven earlier if you are short on time).

Heat onion in a pan with olive oil, butter or ghee until translucent. Add ginger, garlic & spices and sauté until fragrant.

Add soaked lentils (ensure thoroughly rinsed and liquid drained), bone broth and 1 cup of water. Simmer on a low heat until lentils have absorbed liquid (stir every few minutes)(approx 20-25 mins). Add additional water and then coconut milk. Allow to simmer until absorbed and desired thickness. 

Serve with basmati rice, yoghurt & mango chutney! Freeze in portions for your toddler if you have leftovers.