Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free) is a delicious and wholesome option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy bread alternative. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also caters to those following a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side dish, this lentil bread will impress at any meal. Its unique flavor and nutritious ingredients make it a standout choice in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with lentils, this bread offers a rich source of protein and fiber.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of accessible ingredients to whip up this delightful loaf.
- Versatile: Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or as a base for your favorite spreads and toppings.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have homemade bread in no time.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Made without wheat flour, this bread is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Tools and Preparation
To make Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free), you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- High-powered blender
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- High-powered blender: Ensures the lentils are blended to a smooth consistency for the best texture.
- Loaf pan: A standard size helps the bread bake evenly and maintain its shape.
- Mixing bowl: Provides enough space for combining all ingredients effortlessly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (300g) lentils (brown, green or split red are all fine)
– 1/2 cup + 2 tbsps water
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 4 tsps ground flax seeds (not whole flax seeds)
– 2 3/4 tsps baking powder
How to Make Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Step 1: Soak the Lentils
Begin by rinsing the lentils then placing them in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with enough water (room temp is fine) to cover the lentils by a couple inches. Soak the lentils for at least 6 and up to 24 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to make the bread, preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment if desired for easier removal.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
When the lentils are done soaking, drain them and put them into a high-powered blender. Then add the water (1/2 c + 2 tbsps), oil, and salt. Process until the mixture is smooth. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure everything blends well.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Dump the lentil mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the cornstarch, ground flax seeds, and baking powder until completely blended. Scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bang the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and smooth over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until it starts to get golden brown on top. Start checking at 40 minutes as oven temperatures vary. The bread will sound hollow when it’s tapped, indicating it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven. Immediately take it out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Step 7: Storage
The bread can be kept tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for about 10 days. It can also be frozen for several months.
How to Serve Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Easy Lentil Bread is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, this bread pairs beautifully with various toppings and accompaniments.
Toast with Avocado
- Spread ripe avocado on slices of Easy Lentil Bread for a creamy and nutritious breakfast or snack. Top with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for added flavor.
Sandwiches
- Use Easy Lentil Bread as the base for your favorite vegan sandwiches. Fill with hummus, fresh veggies, and greens for a satisfying meal.
Dipping
- Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve it with your favorite dips like hummus or baba ganoush. It’s perfect for gatherings!
Salad Base
- Layer slices of lentil bread beneath a fresh salad for added texture. The bread will soak up the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.
Toasted with Nut Butter
- Spread almond or peanut butter on toasted slices of Easy Lentil Bread. Add sliced bananas or a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious treat.
With Soups
- Serve alongside your favorite soups. The hearty texture of Easy Lentil Bread complements light broths or thick stews nicely.
How to Perfect Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Perfecting your Easy Lentil Bread takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
Soak the lentils well: Ensure that you soak the lentils for at least 6 hours, but up to 24 hours is ideal. This enhances their digestibility and makes blending easier.
Use a high-powered blender: A strong blender will create a smooth consistency that’s essential for the best bread texture. If you have a less powerful one, blend in batches as needed.
Check oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Use an oven thermometer if possible to ensure consistent baking results.
Don’t skip greasing: Greasing your loaf pan helps prevent sticking. Parchment paper is also an excellent option for easy removal after baking.
Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool on a wire rack ensures that it firms up properly, making slicing easier without crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Pairing your Easy Lentil Bread with delicious side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with seasonal greens adds crunch and brightness to your meal. Dress it lightly with lemon vinaigrette.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked vegetables in soy sauce make a colorful side that’s both healthy and flavorful alongside lentil bread.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers refreshing bites that balance the hearty bread.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor of lentils.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory lentil bread, making them an irresistible combination.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served as a dip not only enhances flavors but also adds richness that complements the lentil base beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free), there are some common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Soaking Time: Not soaking the lentils long enough can lead to a grainy texture. Make sure to soak them for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best results.
- Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the balance of the recipe. Always measure ingredients accurately, especially for key components like lentils and cornstarch.
- Over-Processing: Blending the lentils for too long can make the mixture too thin. Blend just until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides.
- Neglecting Baking Time: Baking the bread for too short a time may leave it undercooked. Keep an eye on it and ensure it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Skipping Cooling Time: Cutting into the bread while it’s still warm can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free) in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days.
Freezing Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
- It can be stored in the freezer for several months.
Reheating Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power.
- Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free).
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown, green, or split red lentils. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture but will work well overall.
How do I make this Easy Lentil Bread gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses cornstarch instead of flour. Ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have allergies.
What can I serve with Easy Lentil Bread?
This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. You can also enjoy it with spreads like hummus or avocado.
How long does Easy Lentil Bread last?
When stored properly, this bread lasts up to 2 days at room temperature or about 10 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for several months.
Final Thoughts
Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free) is not only simple but also versatile. You can customize it by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love its delightful flavor and texture!
Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan + Gluten Free) is a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional bread, perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome, plant-based option. This simple recipe features lentils as the star ingredient, delivering a rich source of protein and fiber while remaining gluten-free. With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a delightful loaf that’s incredibly versatile—ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side dish. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spreads, this lentil bread will elevate any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups lentils (brown, green, or split red)
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 4 tsp ground flax seeds
- 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Soak the lentils in water for at least 6 to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Blend soaked lentils with water, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix the blended lentil mixture with cornstarch, flax seeds, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
