This lentil bread recipe is a revolutionary idea in the world of Bakery and Grains. This protein-based Lentil Bread is a gluten-free, high-protein, and nutrient-packed option for sandwiches and for snacking. The secret to the loaf is soaked lentils, which serve as its main ingredient and contain no flour or yeast.
You will be surprised how fluffy and hearty this bread can be, and when served with the creamy, rich Avocado Basil sauce, it is heavenly!
Our inspiration for this recipe was to have a gluten-free, keto, and healthy bread made without any flour or yeast. Thinking of removing such crucial ingredients can make the bread nearly impossible. But the sky is the limit.
Even without flour and yeast, you can still have the hearty, crusty bread with the delicious flavor and texture. All you need are soaked lentils, eggs, cheese, and psyllium husk. All of these ingredients come together as a beautiful, crumbly loaf with a golden crust.
We are adding extra flavoring and aromatics like dill, sesame seeds, and garlic to enhance the taste. And with our creamy and super delicious Avocado Basil sauce, this bread and dip experience is elevated.
Nevertheless, this Lentil bread is perfect for sandwiches or to serve as a table-side dish with a fancy dinner. Whether you’re exploring gluten-free options or simply looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, this innovative loaf is sure to become a beloved staple.
Ingredients’ Breakdown
For the Lentil Bread
- Dried lentils: We are using lentils as the base of the bread. It is crucial to soak the dried lentil for at least 6 hours to overnight for smooth blending and texture.
- Eggs: Eggs will work as a leavening agent. It also works as a binder and holds the shape of the dough.
- Water: Water helps in hydrating the ingredients and also helps in making the loaf airy and fluffy.
- Himalayan salt: A pinch of Himalayan salt enhances taste. You can also use regular table salt.
- Dried garlic: Dried garlic has a savory and sweet taste that resembles roasted garlic. It adds a bright flavor to the bread, making it flavorsome.
- Olive oil: Olive oil helps in baking the bread evenly without overpowering the taste. You can also use neutral vegetable oil.
- Psyllium husk: Psyllium husk is a stabilizer in the recipe. It absorbs moisture and acts as a natural binder, giving the bread a structure similar to gluten-based loaves.
- Mozzarella cheese: It adds moisture and creaminess to the bread. We are shredding the cheese by ourselves. You can use pre-shredded as well.
- Cheddar cheese: It gives the bread a distinctive, sharp, cheesy taste that makes it super savory. Again, we are shredding the cheese, but you can use pre-shredded ones too.
- Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds contribute subtle crunch and nuttiness. It also releases its oils when baking, giving the bread an extra buttery taste.
- Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent. It helps in baking the bread fluffy and airy.
- Fresh dill: Dill has a hint of freshness and a herby flavor. We are finely chopping the dill to fully incorporate in the bread.
For the Avocado Basil Sauce
- Avocado: Avocado has a mild, creamy, and buttery flavor with subtle nutty or earthy notes. The key to making the perfect avocado sauce is to have ripe avocado. Unripe ones will be hard to mash and will not give a smooth texture. Overripe one will give a bitter and sour flavor with a stringy texture.
- Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt will work as the base of the sauce. It is creamy and has a slight sour and tangy flavor. It adapts the flavors of avocado quite well.
- Fresh basil: It has a sweet and herbaceous flavor with distinct notes of pepper. It’s a great addition to the sauce and really complements the avocado.
- Garlic: It gives the spicy garlicky kick to the sauce that we absolutely love.
- Salt and black pepper: Of course, we need salt and pepper to avoid the sauce from tasting bland.
- Lemon juice: It adds a rich, citrusy, and tangy kick to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Olive Oil adds richness and helps in emulsifying the ingredients into a thick, spreadable sauce.
Instructions
We highly recommend reading the recipe’s instructions thoroughly before starting. Make sure you have all of the ingredients measured out for every step in advance to make the recipe easier.
See the full preparation in the recipe card below with the complete instructions on how to prepare your kitchen and the ingredients, and then make this healthy Lentil Bread.
Lentil Bread
Description
Lentil Bread is made entirely without flour or yeast. This wholesome, gluten-free loaf transforms simple soaked lentils into a savory, satisfying bread that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Lentil Bread
Avocado Basil Sauce
Instructions
For the Lentil Bread
-
Place the dried lentils in a bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them soak for at least 6–8 hours, preferably overnight. This softens the lentils and helps create a smooth batter.
-
Once soaked, the lentils will be swollen and tender. Drain the soaking water completely and rinse the lentils under fresh running water to remove any residue.
-
Add the eggs and ½ cup of fresh water. Blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth. The mixture should resemble a thick pancake batter with no visible lentil pieces.
-
Stir in the salt, dried garlic, olive oil, psyllium husk, mozzarella, cheddar, sesame seeds, baking powder, and chopped dill.
-
Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. The psyllium husk will begin to absorb moisture and slightly thicken the batter—this helps give the bread structure.
-
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
Lightly grease a loaf pan or small baking dish with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds on top for added texture and appearance.
-
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and proper texture.
Avocado Basil Sauce
-
Scoop the flesh of the avocado into a bowl. Add the Greek yogurt, chopped basil, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
-
Using an immersion blender, blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed to ensure even blending.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add a little more lemon juice for brightness or olive oil for a smoother texture.
-
Serve alongside sliced lentil bread or use as a spread or dip.
Equipment Used
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, i.e., when you buy any product using these links, we get commissions. However, it doesn’t cost you anything extra. If you do purchase any product using the given links, we thank you in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 11g22%
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pro Tips
- Blend thoroughly to ensure a smooth batter
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Store wrapped to maintain moisture
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Omit cheese and add nutritional yeast for flavor
- Herb Swap: Replace dill with parsley, chives, or rosemary
- Spice Boost: Add chili flakes or cumin for warmth
- Seed Variation: Use sunflower or flax seeds instead of sesame
- Mini Loaves: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions
