Lentil Bread Recipe Vegan: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious

Discover the wholesome goodness of homemade lentil bread with this delightful vegan recipe that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this bread a perfect choice for those seeking a healthy alternative to traditional wheat breads.

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-sensitive, or simply looking to add more variety to your baking repertoire, this lentil bread offers a hearty, satisfying texture with a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings.

This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but versatile enough for seasoned bakers to customize with their favorite herbs and spices. Plus, it’s free from dairy, eggs, and any animal products, ensuring it fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle.

Ready to bake a loaf that’s not only good for you but also impressively tasty? Let’s get started and bring the magic of lentils right to your kitchen table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan lentil bread is a fantastic way to incorporate legumes into your diet in a completely new form. Unlike typical bread recipes, this loaf is packed with protein and fiber thanks to the lentils, keeping you fuller for longer and supporting digestive health.

It’s also naturally gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free oats or flours, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

The bread has a moist, dense crumb that holds together well, making it ideal for sandwiches or toast. It also freezes beautifully, so you can prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy fresh slices whenever you want.

Plus, the recipe is adaptable—you can add seeds, nuts, or herbs for an extra flavor punch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red lentils (or 1 ½ cups cooked lentils, well-drained)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (mixed with 6 tbsp water to form flax egg)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
• Optional herbs or spices: 1 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Blender or food processor (for cooking and pureeing lentils)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (8×4 inch preferred)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Cook the lentils: Rinse 1 cup of dried red lentils thoroughly. Place them in a pot with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft and water is mostly absorbed. Drain any excess water and allow lentils to cool slightly.
2. Prepare flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.
3. Preheat your oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper.
4. Make the lentil puree: Transfer the cooked lentils to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You want a thick, smooth paste; add a splash of plant milk if needed to assist blending.
5. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any optional herbs or spices.
6. Combine wet ingredients: To the lentil puree, add the flax egg, maple syrup, olive oil, and plant-based milk. Mix well until combined.
7. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick but moist. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
8. Transfer to loaf pan: Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center after 45 minutes—if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
10. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty crunch, sprinkle pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top of the batter before baking.

You can swap out whole wheat flour for spelt or oat flour for a different flavor profile. Adding finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme enhances the earthy lentil flavor beautifully.

For a sweeter loaf, incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the batter before baking.

If you want a lighter texture, try folding in 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. This will also add natural sweetness and moisture.

To boost protein, consider stirring in a few tablespoons of hemp seeds or chia seeds.

Storing tip: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Toast frozen slices directly for a quick snack or breakfast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This lentil bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it toasted with your favorite vegan butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for a simple breakfast treat.

For a savory option, spread it with hummus, avocado, or a creamy vegan cheese alternative and top with fresh tomato slices or cucumber.

It also makes a hearty base for open-faced sandwiches topped with sautéed greens, grilled vegetables, or marinated tofu. If you enjoy dipping, pair slices with a warm bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or try it alongside a creamy spread like in this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan lentil bread at home is a rewarding experience that combines nutrition and flavor in one wholesome loaf. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to increase their plant-based protein intake while enjoying the comfort of freshly baked bread.

The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and the end result is a moist, flavorful bread that’s perfect for any meal of the day.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this lentil bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with the suggested variations and explore more delicious recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for sweet treats.

Happy baking!

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