Lentil Bread

This recipe for lentil bread is a healthy alternative to traditional bread and packed with proteins and nutrients. Made with simple ingredients like red lentils, eggs, yogurt, and feta cheese, it’s a satisfying and tasty option that will delight your family and friends. With a soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor, this lentil bread is ideal for any meal!

Ingredients for Lentil Bread:

  • Red Lentils: 2 cups (360 g)
  • Eggs: 3 large
  • Olive Oil: 50 g
  • Yogurt: 1 glass (200 g)
  • Feta Cheese: 125 g
  • Baking Powder: 10 g
  • Baking Soda: 5 g
  • Black Cumin Seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Parsley: 1 tbsp (fresh or dried)
  • Chili Flakes: 1 tsp
  • Sesame + Black Cumin Seeds: For decoration

Instructions:

  1. Soak the Lentils
    Soak 2 cups of red lentils in about 1 liter of water for at least 2 hours until they’re nicely swollen.
  2. Drain and Rinse
    After 2 hours, drain the lentils and rinse them under cold water.
  3. Mix the Ingredients
    In a bowl, add the soaked lentils, 3 eggs, and 1 glass of yogurt (200 g). Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth.
  4. Prepare the Cheese
    Dice 125 g of feta cheese into small cubes and add it to the lentil mixture.
  5. Add Seasonings
    Add 10 g of baking powder, 5 g of baking soda, 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp black cumin seeds, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp chili flakes. Mix everything well.
  6. Prepare the Baking Pan
    Grease a baking pan with olive oil and line it with dampened parchment paper.
  7. Decorate
    Pour the lentil mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle sesame and black cumin seeds on top for decoration.
  8. Bake
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for about 45 minutes, using a toothpick to test if it’s fully baked.
  9. Cool and Serve
    Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy with a meal or as a healthy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber, this lentil bread is a nutritious alternative to regular bread.
  • No Yeast, No Flour: It’s completely yeast and flour-free, making it a great option for gluten-free diets.
  • Soft and Fluffy: Despite being made from lentils, this bread is soft, airy, and satisfying.
  • Versatile: It pairs well with any meal or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack.

Nutritional Information (per slice):

  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

Storage:

Store the lentil bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use green lentils instead of red lentils?
    Red lentils work best for this recipe as they have a soft texture when cooked, but green lentils can be used with a slightly different texture.
  2. Can I skip the feta cheese?
    Yes, you can substitute it with another cheese or skip it for a dairy-free version.
  3. Can I bake it in a muffin tin?
    Absolutely! You can make lentil bread muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time.
  4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, this bread is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour.
  5. Can I freeze lentil bread?
    Yes, slice the bread and freeze it for up to 3 months.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    You can try using flax eggs and dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version, though the texture may vary slightly.
  7. What can I serve with lentil bread?
    It pairs well with soups, salads, or as a side for any main dish.
  8. Can I use different herbs?
    Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill.
  9. How do I make it spicy?
    Add more chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick.
  10. Can I add seeds or nuts to the batter?
    Yes, adding sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts can add a nice crunch.