This red lentil flatbread recipe is easy to make and doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to cook. You will need a few ingredients. They are packed with plant-based protein and minerals, gluten-free, and pair with any curry, dip, or condiment.
Cook Time
- Preparation:5 min
- Cooking:30 min
- Ready in: 35 min
- For:6 servings
To make this bread, you will need red lentils or lentils of your choice, water, salt, and any herbs or spices you like. The lentils are washed, then blended into a smooth batter. The batter is then spread into a thin layer on a pan and cooked until crispy.
What’s so good about them?
Well, let’s see… These lentil flatbreads are not only vegan, but they are also:
- Flatbread made from lentils is inexpensive, nut-free, and simple to prepare. All you need is a high-speed blender, a baking sheet, or a non-stick pan.
- Most gluten-free breads have a lot of ingredients and take a long time to make. Not in this lentil flatbread that is vegan. Just a few minutes of preparation time is required (it can be done overnight as well).
- Use them as pizza, bread, or as a wrap. You will think of pancakes when you first start making these lentil flatbreads. However, they do not rise and have a texture more similar to naan. They can be used as a crunchy flatbread or pizza after being toasted.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of red lentils
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tsp. of cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. of garlic powder (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chopped onions
- 2 tbsp tomatoes chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup spinach chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil for frying (the cooking oil of your choice)
Ingredients For Red Lentil Flatbread
- Red lentils, or lentils of your choice: Most grocery shops sell red split lentils. Lentils are de-skinned and split. As a result, the lentils cook more rapidly.
- Water: Water is used to help make the lentil flatbread dough.
- Salt: A small amount of salt ensures that these are not tasteless.
- Cumin: Though it is optional, it adds a touch of warmth and earthiness.
- Paprika: Paprika has a sweet and spicy flavor. It’s a great way to add some smokiness and heat to your dishes.
- Garlic powder (optional): Garlic powder gives the dish a richer flavor.
- Onions: The flavor of onions is slightly sweet but savory. Any kind will work.
- Tomatoes: They not only add flavor but also give a prominent, bright red color to the dish.
- Spinach: Spinach is loaded with nutrients, such as vitamin K, which promotes healthy bones, and vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system and maintain healthy skin.
- Olive oil or cooking of your choice: To help soften and tenderize the flatbread. However, you can use your favorite or available one.
How To Make Red Lentil Flatbread
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly with cold water.
- Soak lentils for 2 hours.
- Drain the lentils, add them to a blender with 1 cup of water, and blend. ( add water if necessary.)
- Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Now add all the spices to the mixture.
- Pour out the mixture with a ladle on a hot, greased pan.
- Top it off with all the mixed, chopped veggies.
- Flip and cook until slightly crispy and golden.
Serving Ideas
The best way to enjoy these flatbreads is right after they have been cooked, but they can be reheated in a skillet or nonstick pan.
We enjoy them most when paired with a delicious veggie curry and some mint chutney.
Storage Suggestions
Make in advance: You can make the batter up to two days ahead of time and store it in the fridge, covered. Before making the flatbread, you may need to add additional liquid or pulse the mixture in the blender again.
You could also soak the lentils for as long as 12 hours. To prevent fermentation, they should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
Storage: After the cooked lentil flatbreads have cooled, keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. To prevent sticking, I suggest placing parchment paper in between the flatbread.
Freeze: Use parchment paper to stack the flatbread and store them in a Ziplock for 1 month.
Reheat: You can either reheat a flatbread on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Notes And Tips
- Adjust the size: Depending on the desired size of the bread, adjust the quantity of batter added to the pan.
- Adjust the water content: Because the batter gets thicker as it rests, you may need to add more liquid.
- Use a non-stick pan; a cast-iron pan that has been well-seasoned may also work. If you don’t have a nonstick pan, you should be able to make this flatbread in any pan.
What Can I Add To Lentil Flatbread For More Flavor?
Other spices will also work, like turmeric, chili powder, cayenne powder, garam masala, cumin, black pepper, curry powder, etc.
Herbs: Several herbs, such as dried oregano or thyme, go well with lentils. Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and parsley would also be effective.
What’s the texture like?
The flatbreads made with lentils have a texture that is somewhere between a pancake and naan bread. When they are fresh, the crust is faintly crispy.
The most crucial step in making these flatbreads is blending thoroughly to completely break down the lentils. If your blender isn’t very strong and doesn’t mix the lentils the first time, let the mixture soak for another 15 minutes and blend again.
The final batter should be smooth to mix with, thick enough to retain its form, and fluid enough to pour.
Can I use canned lentils?
No, this flatbread recipe uses dried red lentils. Cooked lentils won’t make it work.
Are lentils flatbread healthy?
Yes! But why? These lentil flatbreads are a good source of fiber (8 grams), protein (7 grams), and several important micronutrients like iron. They are also satisfying, so you will feel full for a longer time.
These lentil flatbreads are far superior to normal flour flatbread in terms of both micro- and macronutrient content (as well as the absence of “empty calories”).
Can I use a Food processor?
To produce a smooth batter, this method works best when used with a high-speed blender. Unfortunately, I don’t believe a food blender can make a smooth batter.
Can I use brown lentils?
Yes, I’ve given it a shot! Brown lentils, on the other hand, only require 100 grams (with the same quantity of water) and a 10- to 12-hour soaking time.
What Are the Health Benefits of Lentils?
Some of the major potential health advantages of regularly eating lentils
- Healthy heart
- Diabetes control
- Improved digestion
- Muscle generation
Do you have to cook these over low heat?
Yes! If you cook the batter at a temperature that is too high, it will burn before it is fully cooked. You need to completely cook these lentils because they haven’t been cooked yet. The raw batter shouldn’t be eaten.
Do You Have to Wash the Lentils?
Actually, Yes. However, after washing the lentils, I find that the flatbread is very easy to digest. Furthermore, you never know what’s in the lentils. (They grow in soil and often have debris on them.) This is why I advise washing them before soaking.
Do You Have to Soak the Lentils?
Yes. This depends on your blender’s strength and the sharpness of its blades. You could combine the lentils and water right away, but if the batter still appears gritty or has chunks in it after the recommended 5-minute rest, you should blend it again until it is smooth.
The Wrap-Up!
Red lentil flatbread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great way to add more protein and fiber to your diet while still enjoying delicious, flavorful food. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of this nutritious bread!
If you make these quick, high-protein lentil flatbreads, please leave feedback.