Crispy Roasted Lentils Recipe

Introduction

Crispy lentils make a delicious and versatile snack or topping that adds a satisfying crunch to any dish. Made by roasting well-seasoned lentils until golden and crisp, this simple recipe transforms humble lentils into a flavorful treat in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Non-stick spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse and drain the lentils to remove any debris. Add them to a small pot with the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Once cooked, drain the lentils and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: Transfer the lentils to a mixing bowl. Add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, then toss well to evenly coat the lentils with the seasonings.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray a sheet pan with non-stick spray. Spread the seasoned lentils in a thin, single layer on the pan.
5. Step 5: Roast the lentils in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even crisping. For extra crunch, broil them for 2 additional minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding different spices like smoked paprika or cumin for a variation in flavor.
• Make sure to dry the lentils thoroughly after cooking to get maximum crispiness.
• Use olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier fat option.

Storage

Store cooled crispy lentils in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, spread them on a baking sheet and warm briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils tend to be softer and break apart more easily, so they may not crisp up as well. Green or brown lentils are better suited for this recipe.

How do I know when the lentils are done cooking before roasting?

The lentils should be tender but not mushy, cooking for about 18 to 20 minutes. They should hold their shape well to achieve the best crispy texture after roasting.

Crispy Roasted Lentils Recipe

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A simple and healthy recipe for crispy roasted lentils, perfect as a crunchy snack or a flavorful topping for salads and soups. These lentils are cooked until tender, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, then roasted to golden perfection for a deliciously crispy texture.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Vegetarian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• non-stick spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the lentils: Rinse and drain the green lentils thoroughly to remove any debris. Place the lentils and vegetable broth into a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the lentils are cooked through but not mushy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Drain and dry lentils: Once cooked, strain the lentils using a fine mesh strainer and gently pat them dry using paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness.
3. Season the lentils: Transfer the dried lentils to a mixing bowl. Add the tablespoon of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss well to ensure all the lentils are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.
4. Arrange on sheet pan: Lightly coat a sheet pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned lentils in a thin, single layer over the pan, making sure they are evenly distributed for uniform roasting.
5. Roast the lentils: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the lentils for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir the lentils halfway through the roasting time to promote even crisping. For an extra crispy finish, optionally broil the lentils for an additional 2 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

• Be careful to dry the lentils thoroughly to ensure they crisp up instead of steaming in the oven.
• You can use either green or brown lentils interchangeably.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to add other spices like smoked paprika or cumin for variation.
• Store leftover crispy lentils in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
• These crispy lentils make a great protein-rich topping for salads, soups, or even as a crunchy snack on their own.

Keywords: crispy lentils, roasted lentils, healthy snack, vegetarian snack, crunchy topping, lentil recipe