Crispy Roasted Lentils Recipe
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
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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