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
- 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
- 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.
- Add Olive Oil:
- Gradually add 2 tablespoons olive oil while blending the lentils.
- 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.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the dry ingredient mixture to the ground lentils and mix well.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the batter appears too runny, add an additional 1 tablespoon rice flour and mix until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Add Lemon Juice:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice to add a subtle zing to the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Lentil Bread
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the Bread Pan:
- Grease a bread pan with vegetable oil.
- Transfer the Batter:
- Transfer the lentil batter into the prepared pan.
- Add Seeds:
- Sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds and sesame seeds on top of the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Bake:
- Bake the lentil bread in the oven for 60 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
- 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
- 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.
- 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!