- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Lentils:
- Cook the lentils if you haven’t done so already. You’ll need about ¾ cup of dried lentils to get 1 ½ cups cooked. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Set aside to cool.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher until they form a coarse paste. You don’t need it to be completely smooth—some texture is good for the bread.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the lentils, followed by the oat flour, eggs, baking powder, salt, cumin, and fresh herbs.
- Stir everything together until a thick batter forms. If the batter feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to loosen it.
- Transfer to the Pan:
- Pour the lentil batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or additional herbs on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is firm and golden brown.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Optional Variations:
- Spiced Lentil Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, coriander, or paprika for a spicier flavor profile.
- Cheesy Lentil Bread: Stir in ½ cup of grated cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) for a cheesy twist.
- Seeded Lentil Bread: Mix in a handful of sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Tips for Perfect Lentil Bread:
- Use well-drained lentils to prevent the batter from becoming too wet. If your lentils are overly watery, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Add texture: Don’t mash the lentils too much—you want some whole or half-broken lentils to give the bread more texture.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or dill can add unique flavors to the bread.
Pairing Suggestions:
This savory lentil bread is versatile and pairs well with spreads like hummus, guacamole, or butter. It’s also delicious topped with avocado, tomato, or cheese for an open-faced sandwich. For a complete meal, serve slices alongside soup or salad.
How does this recipe sound to you? If you’d like to tweak the ingredients or try a different flavor direction, let me know!