Want to learn how to make roasted lentils? Here’s an easy way to make delicious crunchy lentils (sweet or savory) that are perfect for a high protein, high fiber snack!
Hi friends!
I wanted to share a quick little tutorial with you on how to make roasted lentils. I’ve been on a bit of a lentil kick lately since they’re one of my favorite plant-based proteins. I shared a couple of roundups: 15+ Easy Red Lentil Recipes and 20+ Green Lentil Recipes if you’re looking for ways to add more lentils to your meal plan. And if lentils give you a little intestinal trouble, learn How To Sprout Lentils to make them easier to digest.
Today I want to show you how to roast them for a deliciously crunchy snack.
Roasted Lentils and Chickpeas
If you’re wondering why you should ever make roasted lentils, I understand…but roasted chickpeas are a popular snack right? I’ve got a whole post on How To Roast Chickpeas and I use them all the time in Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix. Lentils are similar, just smaller. This actually makes them perfect for toddlers and younger kids because they can still enjoy some crunch, without it being a choking hazard.
Depending on whether you make your roasted lentils sweet or savory, they can be a great addition to a nut-free trail mix or sprinkled on a salad for some extra protein!
How To Cook Green Lentils
Before you can roast lentils, you have to know how to cook them. Here’s my method:
Add green lentils and water to a pot. I usually use a ratio of 1 cup lentils to 4 cups water because they triple in size when cooking. Cover and bring to a boil, then crack the lid, reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes. Drain extra water.
A reminder that you can cook the whole bag of lentils at once, then divide them into 1-2 cup portions and freeze until you need them. That’s what I do so that I always have them on hand to make my Lentil Banana Muffins.
Roasted Crunchy Lentils
When you’re ready to make roasted lentils, spread a cup of cooked lentils on a paper towel. Let them dry for an hour or so.
Transfer to a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
Add seasonings. For a sweet version, I like to use cinnamon and sugar For a savory version I’ve done cayenne pepper and paprika or garlic powder and salt.
Roast, stirring occasionally.
Let cool.
Want to make roasted lentils in air fryer? You could! Just make a foil tray to hold them in the bottom of the air fryer. And make sure you leave enough room around the edges for the air to circulate.
PrintRoasted Lentils Recipe
Want to learn how to make roasted lentils? Here’s an easy way to make delicious crunchy lentils (sweet or savory) that are perfect for a high protein, high fiber snack!
Ingredients
1 cup cooked lentils
spray oil
seasonings
Instructions
- Spread 1 cup of cooked lentils on a paper towel. Let them dry for an hour or so. Transfer to a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
- Add seasonings. For a sweet version I like to use 1/2 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. For a savory version use whatever spices you like – I’ve done cayenne pepper and paprika, curry powder, garlic powder and salt, etc.
- Roast at 300 degrees F, stirring every 10-15 min, for 40-45 min.
- Let cool.
- Add to trail mix, salads etc or snack on them by the handful!
Notes
You could probably do 2 cups of cooked lentils on a large baking sheet at one time but I wouldn’t recommend more than that or you’ll crowd the pan and they won’t get crispy!
Pretty easy right?! These are perfect to snack on by the handful, or you can add them to snack/trail mix, sprinkle on soup or salad etc.
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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