Learn to make flour lentil bread

Hello everyone, welcome to Paulina Cocina! Today we have a very special recipe. Because it's so simple, it's become a lifesaver for those looking for a healthier , flourless bread option: lentil bread .

We love it because it's simple to make and can be enjoyed on different occasions and at any time! It's a wonderful, simple , and above all, delicious recipe. So if you're ready, let's try a new recipe for a different bread. Stay tuned, we'll tell you all about it here.

About Lentil Bread

Lentil bread is very simple to prepare and also a healthy and very interesting alternative. Its main ingredient, lentils , is one of the oldest legumes cultivated by humanity. Lentils have been a vital source of nutrition for millennia.

They're rich in protein, fiber, and many essential nutrients for everyday life , making them an ideal superfood for making your meals more balanced. We've already seen that there are countless recipes we can make with lentils ; they're always a alternative ingredient , as they're delicious and, above all, healthy.

How to preserve lentil bread?

Here are some tips for preserving lentil bread and keeping it fresh:

• In the refrigerator: After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• In the freezer : If you want to store it for longer, I recommend freezing it straight away. Cut the bread into slices to make it easier to defrost later.

Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Then place the entire loaf in an airtight container. Lentil bread can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To defrost : Simply remove the slices you need and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours, or use the microwave for a quick defrost. You can also toast the slices straight from the freezer for a crunchy touch.

3 Tips and Tricks for Making Homemade Lentil Bread

1. Lentil Varieties : Here you can explore different flavors and colors. There are many types of lentils; you can use green lentils if you don't have brown lentils, or red . However, the latter are softer and break down more easily when cooked, making them easier to make into bread.
2. Add seeds : For extra crunch and nutrients, you can add sunflower, chia, or sesame seeds to the mix before baking. You won't regret it; they add tons of nutrients.
3. Flavor Variations : Try adding other spices like curry, turmeric, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to give your lentil bread a different twist.

Facts to keep in mind about lentils

• Quick Cooking : Unlike other legumes, lentils do not require pre-soaking and cook relatively quickly, in about 20-30 minutes, making them a practical option for quick and nutritious meals.
• Sustainability : Lentils are an eco-friendly option due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving its fertility without the need for chemical fertilizers. This makes them an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture.

Lentils are a symbol of abundance and prosperity, 

Lentils are not only nutritious and delicious, but they're also loaded with cultural symbolism . Here are some fun facts about these small but powerful legumes:

1. Symbolism of Abundance and Prosperity : In many cultures, lentils are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In Italy, for example, it is traditional to eat lentils on New Year's to attract wealth and success in the coming year. Furthermore, the shape of lentils, which resemble coins, reinforces this belief.
2. Ancient History : Lentils are one of the oldest legumes known to humanity. They have been cultivated for over 9,000 years and have been found in archaeological sites in the Middle East, demonstrating their importance in the human diet since prehistoric times.
3. Nutrition : Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients. They are particularly valued in vegetarian and vegan diets due to their high protein content.

Lentil bread is a fantastic alternative to traditional bread, especially if you're looking to reduce your flour intake or simply want to incorporate more protein and fiber into your diet. It's easy to make, inexpensive, and very versatile. You can eat it alone, with some hummus , guacamole , or any other dip you like. Go ahead and try it and let me know how it goes!

And if you liked this bread, as a different suggestion, I'll leave you with other different types of breads , with legumes and other ingredients. So you can cook more varied, but never less delicious, dishes: cassava bread oatmeal and honey bread , potato bread , homemade whole-wheat bread .

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious lentil bread . See you next time, friends!

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Lentil bread recipe

Yields: 1 loaf/ 8 slices

Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 400 grams of raw lentils
• 3 tablespoons of oil
• 1/2 cup of water approximately
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of dry yeast 
• Optional: 1 egg, one tablespoon of honey, seeds 

How to make lentil bread step by step

1. Place the lentils in water and let them soak overnight. Drain well the next day. 
2. In a blender, add the lentils, salt, yeast, oil, and if you want to make it complete, egg and honey. I left the latter as optional, but they add nutrients and flavor. Now, blend everything while adding water. It should have a creamy, but not runny, consistency. 
3. Pour the mixture into a greased pudding mold and sprinkle with seeds, if desired. Let it rest for an hour. Bake in a moderate oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the stick comes out clean.
4. You can now enjoy this exquisite bread, however you like.