Have you ever craved bread that not only satisfies but also nourishes? Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite, lentil protein bread! This beauty is packed with protein and fiber, making it a fantastic alternative to your everyday loaf. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen was filled with the warm, earthy aroma of lentils, and I couldn’t help but smile as I sliced into a freshly baked loaf. It’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for sandwiches or just slathered with some good olive oil. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to go back!
Ingredients for Lentil Protein Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious lentil protein bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup red lentils: These tiny legumes are the star of the show, giving the bread its protein punch and hearty texture.
- 2 cups water: For cooking the lentils until they’re tender and ready to blend.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour: This adds a nutty flavor and helps bind everything together.
- 1 tsp salt: A must to enhance all those lovely flavors.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This will give your bread that delightful rise.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For a touch of richness and moisture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic?
- 1 tsp onion powder: This adds another layer of savory goodness.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a fabulous loaf!
How to Prepare Lentil Protein Bread
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this delicious lentil protein bread! It’s straightforward, and I promise, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro as you whip it up. Here’s how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the lentils: Start by rinsing 1 cup of red lentils under cold water. This helps remove any dust or impurities.
- Cook the lentils: In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are nice and soft. You want them to be tender enough to mash easily!
- Drain and cool: Once cooked, drain any excess water from the lentils and let them cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle when we mash them.
- Mash the lentils: In a large mixing bowl, mash the lentils until they’re smooth. A fork or a potato masher works great for this!
- Mix the ingredients: Add in 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, thick batter.
- Preheat your oven: While you’re mixing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your bread goes in!
- Transfer to a loaf pan: Grease a loaf pan and pour your mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
- Cool and slice: Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, slice it up and enjoy!
And there you have it! A simple, wholesome process that leads to a loaf of lentil protein bread that’s sure to impress. Get ready for some deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from lentils, this bread is a health powerhouse!
- High in Protein: With 6 grams of protein per slice, it’s a great option for those looking to boost their intake.
- Fiber-Rich: The fiber content helps keep you full and supports digestive health.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip up this bread in no time!
- Healthy Alternative: A wonderful substitute for regular bread, allowing you to enjoy your favorite sandwiches guilt-free.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each slice of this hearty lentil protein bread is approximately 120 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option. You’ll find 3 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates per slice, with a delightful 5 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full. Of course, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the healthy goodness packed into every bite!
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to ensure your lentil protein bread turns out perfectly every time! First, store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to switch things up, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor, or even toss in some seeds for a nice crunch! For a gluten-free variation, simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. And don’t skip the cooling step—letting it cool properly helps the texture set beautifully. Happy baking!
FAQ About Lentil Protein Bread
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones about my lentil protein bread:
Can I use different lentils? Sure! While red lentils work best for a smooth texture, you can experiment with green or brown lentils, but they may alter the consistency slightly.
How can I make this bread gluten-free? Simply swap the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs, spices, or even cheese to tailor it to your taste.
How long does it last? This bread stays fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Enjoy it while it’s at its best!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lentil protein bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can slice it and freeze the pieces in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up. Trust me, a little toasting brings out the best flavors!
For more information on the health benefits of lentils, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, visit my blog for more healthy options!
And if you want to try another protein-packed treat, check out my protein cookie recipe.
Print
Lentil Protein Bread: 6 Reasons You’ll Love This Healthy Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Lentil protein bread is a nutritious and hearty bread made primarily from lentils. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy alternative to regular bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water.
- In a pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are soft, about 15 minutes.
- Drain excess water and let lentils cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mash the lentils until smooth.
- Add whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil protein bread, high protein bread, healthy bread