Gav Martell: He’s in the Kitchen

Feb
02
2014

Crunchy Roasted Lentils Recipe

The healthy snack that will have you saying so long to chips and pretzels

The day I started running I lost my sweet tooth. That was a blessing I got twenty years ago. However, I do still have a craving for salty and savoury snacks. With chips and pretzels all too easy to reach for I'm always on the lookout for tasty alternatives that can fill that craving.

Lentils are an absolute super-food. They are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. They are high in protein, fibre, potassium, folate, iron and maganese. Just 100 grams of lentils fulfills an entire day's worth of your body's needs. 

This recipe for crunchy lentils makes them an awesome snack I always keep within reach. You can spice them up any way you like with your favourite mix of spices. The crunch makes them highly addictive! I make a batch each week and then store in an air-tight container to last my snacking through the entire week. Give them a try!

 

Ingredients:

12 oz Italian (or green) lentils
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons of your favourite spice mix — I like using a bbq or steak spice rub
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
 

 Place the lentils in a strainer and rinse with warm water. This will clean the lentils and begin the rehydration process. Drain and then place the lentils in a small pot. 

 Add 2 1/4 litres of cold water to the pot and bring the lentils to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 Pour the lentils into a strainer and rinse well with cold water. Drain. 

 Preheat oven to 400*F. Place the lentils on a baking sheet and toss to coat with olive oil and spice mix. 

 Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, stir, and roast for another 15-20 minutes until crunchy. Careful they don't burn!

 Add salt and pepper to taste. Let cool and eat. Store in an airtight container at room temperature once cooled..

 

Yield: 1 cup dry lentils will make approximately 2 cups cooked lentils