The Ultimate NoFuss Flourless Red Lentil Herb Bread

Flourless Red Lentil Bread

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:65 Mins

Servings:10-12 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) Dried Red Lentils (rinsed and soaked)
• 1/2 cup (60g) Ground Flaxseed Meal
• 1 cup Water (for soaking lentils)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Boiling Water (for blending lentils)
• 1 cup (240ml) Water (for flax egg)
• 2 Large Eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or Sea)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions:

• Rinse red lentils thoroughly under cold water. Place in a bowl, cover with water, and soak for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse very well before use.
• Prepare the 'Flax Egg': Whisk together flaxseed meal and 1 cup of water. Let stand for 10 minutes until thick and gelatinous.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf tin with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal.
• Transfer the drained, soaked lentils to a high-speed blender. Add 1/2 cup of boiling water. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to form a thick puree.
• In a large bowl, combine the prepared flax mixture, olive oil, and beaten eggs. Whisk briefly.
• Pour the lentil puree into the wet ingredients and stir well to combine.
• In a small separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, pepper, herbs (thyme and rosemary), and garlic powder.
• Add the dry flavour mix and the apple cider vinegar to the batter. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Pour the batter immediately into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top lightly.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and a skewer inserted near the centre comes out mostly clean.
• Remove from the oven. Let the loaf cool in the tin for 15 minutes before lifting it out onto a wire rack to cool completely (at least 1 hour) before slicing. Slicing warm bread will cause crumbling.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:513 kcal

Protein:12.2 g

Fat:15.5 g

Carbs:43.5 g

Fiber:10.6 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:3905 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course, Bread

Cuisine:General

The Breakthrough Loaf: Why This Flourless Lentil Bread Redefines Healthy Baking

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of home baking, and it doesn't involve yeast or complicated gluten structures. It involves pulses. For years, bread meant wheat, and if you were avoiding gluten, it meant compromising on texture or relying on highly processed substitutes. Enter the magnificent Flourless Lentil Bread . This isn't just a substitute; it's an upgrade. Crafted entirely from tender red lentils, this loaf delivers a satisfying density, a beautiful earthy flavour, and a protein punch that traditional loaves simply cannot match. It’s robust enough to stand up to robust fillings and versatile enough to transition seamlessly from a hearty sandwich base to a delightful side dish. This Flourless Bread Recipe proves that restriction doesn't mean flavour sacrifice.

Ditching the Grain: Unveiling the Power of Pulses in Your Kitchen

The magic underpinning this recipe lies in using whole ingredients to achieve structure, bypassing the need for refined starches. When we look at the ingredients, we rely on the natural binding properties of soaked lentils, enhanced by the gelatinous power of ground flaxseed meal. This approach results in a naturally Gluten Free Lentil Bread that remains moist yet sliceable, avoiding the common pitfall of being either too cakey or too crumbly. By embracing the humble lentil, we unlock inherent nutritional benefits, transforming a simple bake into a genuinely powerhouse food.

Meet Your New Kitchen Staple: Hearty, Nutritious, and Surprisingly Simple

Our chosen star is the red lentil. Unlike brown or green varieties, red lentils break down beautifully when soaked and blended, creating the perfect, smooth base for this Red Lentil Bread Recipe . We supplement this with a simple "flax egg" to ensure sufficient binding, eliminating eggs entirely if you opt for the vegan variation discussed later. The prep itself is incredibly straightforward, demanding only 15 minutes of active work, though the lentils require a good four-hour soak beforehand. This simplicity makes it an incredibly Easy Lentil Bread to pull off, even on a busy weekday.

Beyond Sandwiches: The Versatility of This Savoury Sensation

While this loaf is fantastic for building sturdy, satisfying sandwiches—making it an ideal Bariatric Friendly Bread option due to its density and high fibre content—its applications extend much further. Imagine serving thick, toasted slices rubbed with garlic alongside a steaming bowl of soup; it functions beautifully as a rustic crouton replacement or even the base for a Savory Breakfast Recipe topped with smoked salmon and herbs. The naturally savoury profile, accented by thyme and rosemary, lends itself well to being served warm alongside dinner mains.

What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try Masterpiece?

Beyond its health credentials, this loaf achieves texture through intelligent preparation. The use of hot water when blending the lentils helps create a smoother, more cohesive puree, which is crucial. On top of that,, the subtle reaction between the baking powder and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar provides the necessary lift in a recipe that otherwise lacks conventional leavening agents found in flour. This careful attention to detail ensures that every slice of this Healthy Gluten Free Bread holds together wonderfully.

Assembling Your Essential Components for Perfect Loaf Structure

Creating a successful loaf that is both satisfyingly dense and structurally sound requires selecting the right components and ensuring they interact correctly. The structural integrity of this Flourless Lentil Bread Recipe hinges on two main elements: the lentil puree providing bulk and moisture, and the flaxseed meal acting as the principal binder. Ignoring the soaking and draining stages is the fastest route to failure, as excess moisture prevents the loaf from setting correctly during baking.

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Navigating the Pantry: Sourcing the Finest Ingredients for Flourless Lentil Bread

Selecting quality ingredients ensures the best flavour outcome. While the ingredient list is short, each component plays a specific role, from the gentle acidity needed for lift to the aromatic herbs that define the final taste profile.

The Complete Shopping List: Quantities for Guaranteed Success

For a standard 9x5 inch loaf yielding approximately 10 to 12 substantial slices, you will need 1 cup (200g) of dried red lentils, which must first be soaked. For binding, we call for 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed meal, combined with 1 cup of water to create a thick flax egg. The wet ingredients include 2 large eggs (or vegan substitutes), 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1/2 cup of boiling water for blending. For flavour and lift, gather 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and finally, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

Tool Talk: Essential Gadgets for Effortless Preparation

The most critical piece of equipment here is a powerful high-speed blender or a sturdy food processor. You need to achieve a completely smooth lentil puree—any large, unblended pieces will compromise the texture. Alongside this, you’ll need a standard 9x5 inch loaf tin, preferably lined with parchment paper that overhangs the sides, allowing you to lift the loaf out easily once baked. A large mixing bowl for combining the binders and wet ingredients completes the necessary setup.

Smart Swaps: Customizing Your Ingredients Without Sacrificing Texture

While the core structure relies on the lentil-flax combination, flavour profiles are entirely customizable. If you prefer an herbaceous boost, consider substituting the thyme and rosemary with finely chopped fresh dill and chives for a lighter flavour profile. For those avoiding eggs, the recommended substitution is using three portions of flax egg instead of two, ensuring you use 3/4 cup of flax meal mixed with 1.5 cups of water to achieve the necessary density for your Gluten Free Lentil Bread .

The Step-by-Step Blueprint to Baking Your Flavourful Lentil Creation

The process is broken down into three distinct phases: preparation (the passive soak), mixing (the active assembly), and baking (the crucial setting period). Precision in the blending stage and patience during cooling are the secrets to transforming this slurry into a firm loaf.

Mastering the Mix: Techniques for Achieving Ideal Batter Consistency

The transition from raw ingredients to a bake-ready batter requires specific attention to moisture levels and mixing technique to ensure proper aeration and set.

Pre-Bake Rituals: Preparing the Lentils and Pan

Before anything else, the lentils must be attended to. Rinse your 1 cup of red lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear, then cover them with fresh water and let them soak for at least four hours, or overnight on the counter. Once soaked, drain and rinse them exceptionally well; residual water here is detrimental. Simultaneously, create your flax egg by whisking the 1/2 cup of flaxseed meal with 1 cup of water and setting it aside for ten minutes to gel. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) and prepare your loaf tin by greasing it thoroughly before lining it with parchment paper that provides an overhang on the long sides.

Mixing Order Matters: Folding in the Aromatics and Binders

Begin by blending the drained, soaked lentils with exactly 1/2 cup of boiling water until the mixture is silk-smooth—this requires patience and scraping down the sides of your blender jar repeatedly. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the prepared flax mixture, the 2 lightly beaten eggs, and the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Now, incorporate the smooth lentil puree into this wet base, stirring until combined. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the dry agents: baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your fresh herbs. Add these dry ingredients, along with the teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, to the main batter. Fold everything together gently; stop mixing the moment you no longer see streaks of the dry mix. Overmixing can deflate the small amount of air incorporated, leading to a denser final product.

Oven Management: Temperature Settings and Timing Adjustments for Perfection

Pour the batter immediately into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Place it into the preheated 375° F ( 190° C) oven. The bake time usually ranges between 55 and 65 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden-brown crust. To test for doneness, insert a skewer near the centre; unlike traditional cakes, it might emerge slightly moist but should not have wet batter clinging to it. If the top is browning too quickly before the inside is set (around the 40-minute mark), you can loosely tent the top with foil and continue baking.

Maximizing Enjoyment: Tips, Storage, and Serving Suggestions

The final cooling phase is as critical as the baking itself for ensuring that your beautiful Flourless Lentil Bread maintains its integrity when sliced.

Troubleshooting Common Hurdles in Lentil Loaf Preparation

The most frequent issue encountered when attempting this Flourless Bread Recipe is crumbliness upon slicing. This is almost always due to one of two reasons: under-baking or slicing while still warm. If your loaf is coming out of the oven looking set but crumbles when cool, it likely needed an extra 5– 10 minutes in the heat to fully dry out the internal structure.

The Shelf Life: Optimal Storage Methods for Freshness

This bread stores beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice it first, then freeze the individual slices in freezer bags. They toast up perfectly straight from frozen, offering a quick and Savory Breakfast Recipe option any morning.

Pairing Possibilities: Serving Ideas That Complement Your Flourless Lentil Bread

Given its earthy, herbaceous flavour, this loaf shines when paired with creamy textures. Try serving it alongside homemade hummus or a rich, tangy Greek yogurt dip. It’s also superb toasted and used as a base for bruschetta, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you decide to bake smaller portions, these become excellent Lentil Bread Rolls Recipe additions to a charcuterie board.

Nutritional Insights: Boosting the Goodness of Your Baked Goods

Red lentils are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates, iron, and folate. By using flaxseed instead of traditional flour, you significantly increase the Omega-3 fatty acid content. For an even higher protein loaf, consider lightly blending a spoonful of unflavoured pea protein powder into the dry ingredients, which works well within the context of this hearty bake.

What If It’s Crumbly? Expert Fixes for Unexpected Results

If your first attempt results in an unavoidable pile of delicious crumbles, don't despair! The flavour is still there. Re-bake the crumbled pieces on a baking sheet at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15 minutes to dry them out further, turning them into excellent, wholesome croutons perfect for topping salads or soups, ensuring that no part of your effort goes to waste.