Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this recipe and why each ingredient plays an important role.
The Base
- 1½ cups dry red lentils – The foundation of this bread. Red lentils cook and soften relatively quickly compared to other legumes, and their mild flavor makes them an excellent base for a variety of bread flavors.
- 1 cup water – Helps thin the batter to the right consistency for blending and baking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Adds richness and helps keep the finished bread moist rather than dry or crumbly.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Works alongside the baking soda to help activate leavening, contributing to a lighter texture in the finished loaf.
The Leaveners and Seasoning
- 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp baking soda – Together, these provide the lift this bread needs since there’s no yeast involved. The combination helps create a lighter, more bread-like texture.
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for properly seasoning the bread and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed – Blended directly into the batter, these seeds add extra fiber, texture, and a subtle nutritional boost.
The Toppings
- 1 tbsp sesame or sunflower seeds, for topping – Add a pleasant crunch and visual appeal to the finished loaf.
- 1 tsp dried herbs – Allow you to customize the flavor of the bread, whether you prefer a classic herb blend, rosemary, or something else entirely.
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly and soak them in plenty of water for 4–6 hours or overnight. This soaking step is essential for softening the lentils enough to blend into a smooth batter.
Drain and rinse the soaked lentils well, removing any excess starch from the soaking process.
Add the soaked lentils, 1 cup water, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chia seeds or ground flaxseed to a blender.
Blend until the batter is very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to help ensure the bread releases easily once baked.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle evenly with the sesame or sunflower seeds and dried herbs, pressing gently if needed to help them adhere to the batter.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the loaf is firm and golden on top.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Cool completely before slicing for the cleanest slices and best texture.