Lentil Bread with Marinated Tomatoes

This Lentil Bread with Marinated Tomatoes is a unique, nutritious, and delicious option for those looking to add more plant-based, gluten-free meals to their diet. The bread, made from lentils, flaxseed, and psyllium husk, is rich in fiber and protein, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal. Paired with tangy marinated tomatoes, this dish is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy snack. With its hearty texture and savory flavors, this lentil bread offers a delightful alternative to traditional bread recipes.

Ingredients

For the Lentil Bread:

  • 100g (1/2 cup) raw lentils
  • 10g (1 tablespoon) flaxseed flour
  • 10g (2 tablespoons) psyllium husk (can be substituted with ground chia seeds or ground flax seeds)
  • 10g (1.5 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) water
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • A pinch of salt

For the Marinated Tomatoes:

  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped onion
  • Chopped fresh basil (to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

  1. Soak Lentils: Place the raw lentils in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for 2-8 hours. Soaking the lentils not only reduces the cooking time but also enhances digestibility by breaking down anti-nutrients.

Step 2: Make the Lentil Dough

  1. Blend Lentils: Drain the soaked lentils and blend them into a coarse mixture using a blender or food processor. The mixture should have a grainy texture, not too smooth, to give the bread a good structure.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaxseed flour, psyllium husk, cocoa powder, cumin seeds, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the blended lentils to the dry mixture and mix thoroughly. Gradually add the water and lemon juice to the mixture, stirring until a dough-like consistency forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Bake the Bread

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake: Place the shaped dough in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
  3. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling is important as it helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinated Tomatoes

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes with lemon juice, soy sauce, oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, and fresh basil. The combination of these ingredients will create a flavorful and vibrant topping that pairs perfectly with the lentil bread.
  2. Season: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and lets the tomatoes absorb the marinade fully.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Slice and Serve: Slice the cooled lentil bread and arrange it on a serving plate. Serve the marinated tomatoes on the side or spoon them directly over the slices of bread for a delicious and healthy meal.

Cooking Tips

  • Customize the Flavor: Add your favorite dried herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or garlic powder, to the lentil dough to customize the bread’s flavor profile.
  • Add Texture: For a crunchy texture, consider adding seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) or chopped nuts to the bread mixture before baking.
  • Versatility of Marinated Tomatoes: The marinated tomatoes can also be used as a topping for other dishes, such as grilled vegetables, pasta, or even as a fresh salsa alternative.

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 6)

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 6g

This Lentil Bread with Marinated Tomatoes is not just a creative and delicious way to enjoy bread, but also a nutrient-dense option that’s high in fiber and protein, perfect for those following a plant-based diet. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish, this combination offers a burst of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Enjoy this wholesome dish with your favorite salads, soups, or simply on its own!

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