Sweet Chicken and Lentils

Ingredients

• 1 cup pulse plus mix
• 5 dried apricots
• 1 cup diced sweet potato
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 500g chicken mince

Directions

1. Heat a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup water, dried apricots, sweet potato and tomatoes. Simmer until soft. Remove from heat and puree into a sauce (FYI this alone makes a delicious puree to mix through pastas or serve alone).
2. Place pulse mix and 2 cups water into rice cooker in microwave for 15 minutes (or follow instructions on packet).
3. In the saucepan add the chicken mince and cook on medium heat until cooked through approximately 5-7 mins.
4. Pour the sweet potato sauce into the pan with the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the pulse mix into the pan, mix well and simmer until thickened.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, stir well and check the temperature before serving to bub.

Nutrition Notes

Chicken and lentils team up here for a double hit of protein and iron, while sweet potato and apricots bring natural sweetness, fibre and beta-carotene — no added sugar or salt needed.

Parent Tip

Make a double batch of the apricot and sweet potato sauce and freeze it in cubes — it's a brilliant standalone puree or instant pasta sauce for bub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pulse plus mix?

It's a supermarket packet blend of quick-cook lentils and other pulses. Any quick-cook lentil or pulse blend works — or simply use red lentils cooked until soft.

Can I serve this to my 7 month old?

Yes — just mash or puree it to a texture that suits your bub's stage. Always supervise bub while eating.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely, for up to 3 months. Freeze in bub-sized portions for easy weeknight meals.

Can I use a different mince?

Yes — turkey, pork or beef mince all work well with the sweet sauce.