Delicious Lentil Bread Recipe for Health-Conscious Foodies

Hark! Pay attention, dear reader! Allow me to introduce you to a wondrous recipe – the Lentil Bread Recipe. This recipe is not just any bread recipe, nay, it is an exquisite creation that shall tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

This Lentil Bread Recipe boasts of being gluten-free and vegan, suitable for the health-conscious and eco-friendly among us. Its main ingredient is the red lentil, a humble legume that is rich in protein and fiber. The combination of this nutritious legume with unbleached flour, vital wheat gluten, and other essential ingredients creates a bread that is both delicious and healthy.

Easy to make, this Lentil Bread Recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience. Trust me, the effort put into making this bold loaf will be worth every second once you savor its fluffy texture and nutty flavor.

So gather your ingredients and prepare yourself for a truly unique bread-baking experience. With this Lentil Bread Recipe at your fingertips, you are sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own cravings for a wholesome loaf of bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, dear reader, listen to me speak! For there is a recipe that will make your heart skip a beat. It is one that will make your taste buds sing with glee – the delicious and nutritious Lentil Bread recipe!

Let me paint you a picture of this masterpiece divine – the hearty aroma of whole wheat flour, honey, and olive oil; the soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth; the savory taste of red lentils and salt. Can you feel your mouth watering already?

But why should you love this recipe, you ask? Let me tell you more. Firstly, it requires only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find at any store – flour, water, yeast, salt, honey, oil, and of course, red lentils. Secondly, it is versatile and can be adapted to different dietary needs and preferences. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of regular flour or vegan by omitting honey and eggs.

And that’s not all! This Lentil Bread is packed with nutrition – red lentils are loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals while whole wheat flour is rich in complex carbs that provide energy and keep you feeling full. With this bread, you can finally put aside those bland white bread loaves that provide little to no nutritional value.

Plus, let me share a secret here – this bread has easily become my family’s new favorite. We enjoy it as toast for breakfast or as a side with our roast chicken dinners. The leftovers can also be turned into mini pizzas or sandwiches for lunch.

So go ahead! Make this easy-to-make Lentil Bread recipe today! Give your taste buds an adventure they won’t soon forget while nourishing your body with its goodness. Trust me when I say this – once you try this bread recipe, there’s no going back to bland old loaves.

Ingredient List

Lentil Bread Recipe Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you need to make Lentil Bread:

Ingredients 1:
* 2 cups (300 g) red lentils
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups (710 ml) water

Ingredients 2:
* 1 1/2 cups (180 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (60 g) vital wheat gluten
* 2 tablespoons honey or vegan substitute
* 1 tablespoon active dry or instant yeast
* 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients 3:
* 1 cup unbleached bread flour
* 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water
* 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 cup cooked red lentils, rinsed and drained well
* 1/2 cup (50 g) whole wheat flour

This recipe yields one large loaf or two smaller loaves.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Soak the Lentils

To start this recipe, we need to soak 1 1/2 cups of split red lentils in 3 cups of water for at least 2 hours. This process is crucial since it will help to soften the lentils and make them easier to blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Lentil Mixture

After soaking, drain the lentils, and rinse them with cold water. Add the lentils into a blender or food processor, along with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon psyllium husk, 1 tsp baking powder, and 3/4 cup water. Blend all ingredients until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients – 2 cups unbleached flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well.

Step 4: Combine the Lentil Mixture and Dry Ingredients

Add the lentil mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring to combine. If necessary, add more water (a little at a time) until you have a firm dough ball.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Place your dough onto your work surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic and no longer sticky.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the dough in a clean bowl and coat it with olive oil. Cover it with a tea towel or cling film/plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape & Bake

Punch down or de-gas the dough and shape it into one large loaf or buns. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your loaf/buns onto a lightly greased baking tray/dish/bread tin, cover with a tea towel or cling film/plastic wrap and let it rest for another 20 minutes. After that, place your bread on middle rack of preheated oven.Bake about 50 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy this deliciously hearty bread recipe that offers wonderful flavor as well as great nutritional value for yourself, family or friends!

Substitutions and Variations

Oh, the joy that comes with exploring new variations to your favorite recipes. And this lentil bread recipe is no exception. There are many ways to spice up and personalize your lentil bread based on your dietary needs, preferences, and creativity.

For a Gluten-Free Version:

If you’re gluten intolerant or simply prefer gluten-free bread, you can replace the whole wheat flour and vital wheat gluten with gluten-free flour of your choice, such as rice flour, buckwheat flour, or almond flour. And instead of active dry yeast, use yeast-free alternatives like baking powder or sourdough starter.

For a Vegan Version:

To create a vegan version of this recipe, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. And instead of using any oil (honey already adds some moisture), try substituting it with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Both will give your lentil bread a natural sweetness while keeping it moist and fluffy.

For a More Nutrient-Dense Version:

This lentil bread recipe is already packed with nutrients from wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and lentils. However, you can take it to another level by adding more goodies like chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts) or seeds (e.g., chia seeds, flaxseeds) to the dough. Not only will they add crunch and flavor but they’ll also boost the protein and healthy fat content of your bread.

For a Leftover-Friendly Version:

One of the best things about homemade bread is that it can serve as an excellent base for many other dishes. For example, you can cut your leftover lentil bread into cubes and make crispy croutons for salads or soups; or slice it thinly and use it as a sandwich bread for some roasted veggies or hummus.

In summary, there are endless ways to play around with this versatile lentil bread recipe – from making it gluten-free or vegan to adding more nutrients or reinventing its purpose. So feel free to experiment with different ingredients and methods until you find your perfect variation. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!

Serving and Pairing

Alack and alas, me hearties! Once thou hast made thy lentil bread, what shall ye do with it? Gather around and let me spin thee a yarn about some delectable ways to serve and pair this scrumptious loaf.

First and foremost, this hearty bread is a perfect accompaniment for soups, stews, and curries. Ye can lightly toast or warm the slices to enjoy with a bowl of my famous lentil soup or a hearty vegetable stew. The mild nuttiness of the red lentils will complement the bold flavors of any soup or stew without overpowering them.

Be not afraid to slice it up for sandwiches, too! Me favorite pairing is with roasted vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes. Ye may also try a spread of hummus or baba ganoush on top of the bread for an exotic twist.

If ye seek something sweet, I recommend spreading some honey or jam on top of the slices. Thy taste buds will appreciate the sweetness from the honey combined with the savory flavors of the bread.

For ye adventurous souls who crave new experiences like I do (forsooth!), ye can try serving it alongside cheese and wine platters. Pair with aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or brie for a tangy compliment to the fibers of the bread crusts.

There be endless possibilities for serving and pairing this scrumptious loaf – be creative and get adventurous!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Thou mayest prepare the lentil bread ahead of time, for it doth stay fresh for a few days. To store the bread, thou shall wait until it hath cooled completely, then place it in a paper bag or sealable container. It can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To reheat the bread, I suggest that thou slice it beforehand, then warm it up in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Another way to revive the bread’s warmth is to place the slices on a pan and heat them over low heat on a stove.

If some pieces of the bread remain after a day or two and seem to have grown stale, fear not! Thou mayest still enjoy those slices by making croutons or using them as breadcrumbs for thy recipes.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now, let’s go over some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time you make this delicious lentil bread.

1. Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will have a huge impact on the final product. Opt for unbleached flour, whole wheat flour, and red lentils that are fresh and of good quality.

2. Soak the lentils overnight: Soaking the lentils overnight will soften their texture, making them easier to blend into flour or purée for the bread dough.

3. Add vital wheat gluten: Red lentils don’t contain gluten, which makes it challenging to achieve a light and airy texture in bread. To combat this, add 1-2 tablespoons of vital wheat gluten to your dough mixture.

4. Allow the dough to rest for optimal texture: Once the dough has been formed into a ball, let it rest at room temperature for at least an hour to allow it to rise and activate the yeast.

5. Use hot water when activating yeast: When activating the active dry yeast, use hot water that is between 110-115°F (43-46°C) to help it dissolve faster and activate more efficiently.

6. Knead well: Kneading is crucial in breadmaking as it helps develop gluten and creates structure in the dough. Knead for at least 10 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

7. Bake as directed: Follow the recipe instructions for baking time and temperature carefully. Over-baking can result in dry bread while under-baking can lead to an uncooked center.

8. Let it cool before slicing: Allow the lentil bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing into it. This will prevent tearing and create clean slices.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and fluffy red lentil bread that’s perfect with any meal or as a snack on its own!

FAQ

But don’t worry if you’re not sure about certain aspects of this lentil bread recipe, that’s why we’ve put together some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide you with guidance and support. Let’s dive into the most common queries that have arisen regarding this healthy and tasty bread loaf.

Is Lentil Bread good for you?

When it comes to healthy snacks, lentil bread is my top choice. I enjoy having a slice or two for breakfast, brunch, or after a workout. Its high protein content and exceptional nutrition make it a nourishing option. Plus, it’s incredibly filling and keeps me satisfied for an extended period.

Can I replace flour with lentil flour?

When it comes to baking, swapping out some of the regular flour for lentil flour can create some tasty results. For best outcomes, consider replacing approximately a quarter of the flour in your recipe with lentil flour. Since lentil flour may add density due to its rich protein content, it is recommended to replace about one-fifth of bread flour with lentil flour. If your batter appears dry, consider adding in 2 tablespoons of oil to balance it out.

How many carbs are in lentil bread?

This particular slice of Country Harvest Chickpea & Lentil Bread has 17 grams of carbohydrates in total, 14 grams of net carbs, 2.5 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and a calorie count of 100.

Can you grind lentils into flour?

The creation of lentil flour involves the process of grinding lentils until they turn into a fine powder. There are two ways of using lentil flour – it can be consumed in its raw state or deflavored through heat treatment to remove unwanted flavors.

Bottom Line

thou that art reading this article, and considereth the vast possibilities of this remarkable lentil bread recipe. I say unto thee, my dear reader, that thou shalt not find an easier, healthier, and more delicious way to incorporate the goodness of lentils into thy daily diet than by making this recipe.

Behold the many benefits of this recipe – it is versatile and can be adapted to suit thy dietary preferences and needs with its gluten-free, oil-free, and vegan options. It is also an excellent source of protein and fiber from the lentils and whole wheat flour.

As thou followest the recipe how-to with care and precision, remember my tips for perfect results. Trust me when I say that patience is key during the bread-making process. Let the dough rise adequately before baking, and thou shalt be rewarded with a fluffy, moist, and aromatic bread loaf that will make thy taste buds dance in ecstasy.

In conclusion, whether thou art a vegetarian or not, whether thine pantry is overflowing or leaneth towards emptiness, this lentil bread recipe will serve thee well. Imagine pairing it with a hearty lentil soup or serving it as a side dish to roasted vegetables or rice. The possibilities are endless.

So go forth now and make this Lentil Bread Recipe thy own! Ye shall not regret it.