Lentil Bread Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Legacy

Introduction

This Lentil Bread Recipe is inspired by my grandmother, who lived to almost 100 years old. Her secret? Baking and enjoying healthy lentil bread with a touch of sugar. This recipe combines nutritious lentils with flavorful spices and seeds, resulting in a wholesome and satisfying bread. To complement the bread, we also have a delectable yogurt sauce that’s perfect for dipping or spreading.

Ingredients

For the Lentil Bread:

  • 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) lentils
  • 2 7/8 cups (700 milliliters) water (for soaking)
  • 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) water (additional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons psyllium husk
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Vegetable oil (for greasing)
  • A handful of sunflower seeds
  • A handful of sesame seeds

For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 250g Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, finely chopped
  • Dill, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dry garlic

Nutrition Information

This recipe makes approximately 12 slices of bread. The nutritional information per slice is as follows:

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 100mg

Preparation Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Soaking Time: 8 hours
  • Baking Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 9 hours and 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Lentils

  1. Soak the Lentils:
    • Place 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) lentils in a bowl and cover with 2 7/8 cups (700 milliliters) water.
    • Soak for 8 hours to allow the lentils to swell and soften.

Step 2: Prepare the Lentil Batter

  1. Blend the Lentils:
    • After soaking, add an additional 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) water to the lentils.
    • Blend the lentils with a blender until you achieve a smooth consistency.
  2. Add Olive Oil:
    • Gradually add 2 tablespoons olive oil while blending the lentils.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons rice flour, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 2 tablespoons psyllium husk.
    • Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Add the dry ingredient mixture to the ground lentils and mix well.
    • Season with salt to taste.
  5. Adjust Consistency:
    • If the batter appears too runny, add an additional 1 tablespoon rice flour and mix until the desired consistency is achieved.
  6. Add Lemon Juice:
    • Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice to add a subtle zing to the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Lentil Bread

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Prepare the Bread Pan:
    • Grease a bread pan with vegetable oil.
  3. Transfer the Batter:
    • Transfer the lentil batter into the prepared pan.
  4. Add Seeds:
    • Sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds and sesame seeds on top of the batter for added flavor and texture.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake the lentil bread in the oven for 60 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
  6. Cool the Bread:
    • Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, combine 250g Greek yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, dill, and a pinch of salt.
    • Add 1 teaspoon dry garlic and stir until evenly distributed.
  2. Serve:
    • The yogurt sauce is now ready to serve. Enjoy it as a dip or spread with your freshly baked lentil bread.

Conclusion

This Lentil Bread Recipe is a testament to my grandmother’s longevity and love for healthy, delicious food. Paired with the refreshing yogurt sauce, this bread makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal or snack. Enjoy this delightful recipe and savor the wholesome flavors. Bon appétit!

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