Lentil Focaccia Bread
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Ingredients:
| Name | Metric | US | TIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lentils, dry | 300 gr | 1 3/4 cups | ||
| Water, up to | 750 gr | |||
| Whole Psyllium Husk | 25 gr | 1/3 cup | ||
| Chia seeds | 50 gr | 1/4 cup | ||
| Baking Powder | 6 gr | 1 teaspoon | ||
| Salt | 6 gr | 1 teaspoon |
Optional Ingredients :
| 3 gr / 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder | |
| 3 gr / 1/2 tsp Oregano |
Equipment:
| Blender |
Steps:
Step 1
Place 300 grams of lentils in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 395°F ( 200°C ).
Step 3
After soaking, wash and drain the lentils thoroughly and weigh them.
Step 4
Add water to reach a total of 750 grams.
Step 5
Transfer the mixture to a blender and process until you get a very smooth paste.
Step 6
In a bowl, mix together Chia Seeds ( 50 gr ), Psyllium Husk ( 25 gr ), Salt ( 6 gr ), Oregano ( 6 gr), and Baking Powder ( 6 gr ).
Step 7
Incorporate the lentil mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 8
Transfer the dough to a baking pan. Optionally, brush the surface with a little oil or tomato juice for a desired finish. Use a fork to make indentations or pricks on the surface of the dough to help it bake evenly and to prevent bubbling.Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Step 9
After baking, let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes:
Lentil Focaccia Bread
You can use this Lentil Focaccia Dough to make a pizza! Here’s how you can adapt the recipe for a pizza:
Preheat Your Oven:Preheat your oven to 200°C (395°F). This ensures it’s hot enough to give the pizza a crispy crust.
Prepare the Dough:
- Follow the recipe as outlined to prepare the lentil dough.
- After the dough has rested for 10-15 minutes, shape it into a pizza base.
Shape the Pizza Base:
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased pizza pan, spread the dough out to your desired thickness. You can use your hands or a rolling pin.
- Use a fork to make indentations or pricks on the surface of the dough. This helps prevent bubbling and ensures even cooking.
Pre-Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. This pre-baking step helps to firm up the base and make it easier to add toppings.
Add Toppings:
- Remove the partially baked crust from the oven.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats.
Finish Baking:
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the toppings are cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the toppings set and makes the pizza easier to cut.
Using lentil dough as a pizza base is a great way to enjoy a gluten-free and nutritious alternative to traditional pizza crusts. The lentil dough provides a unique flavor and a good dose of protein and fiber, making it a tasty and healthy choice!
Lentil Focaccia Bread additional information:
Lentil focaccia bread provides several nutritional benefits thanks to its ingredients:
High in Protein:
- Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and for maintaining a healthy immune system. This makes lentil focaccia a good option for vegetarians and vegans.
Rich in Fiber:
- Lentils and psyllium husk contribute to a high fiber content, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Fiber also helps in maintaining a healthy weight by promoting satiety.
Supports Heart Health:
- Psyllium husk and chia seeds provide soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The chia seeds also offer omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Nutrient-Dense:
- Lentils are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, folate, and potassium, which contribute to overall health and well-being. These nutrients support energy levels, bone health, and metabolic functions.
Low Glycemic Index:
- The ingredients in lentil focaccia have a low glycemic index, meaning they release glucose into the bloodstream slowly. This helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for people with diabetes or those looking to manage blood sugar levels.
Healthy Fats:
- Chia seeds provide a good source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and support brain health.
Sustained Energy:
- The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats in lentil focaccia provides sustained energy release, which helps keep you full longer and provides steady energy throughout the day.
Gluten-Free Option:
- This bread is suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, as it is made without wheat flour, relying on lentils and other gluten-free ingredients.
By incorporating lentils, psyllium husk, and chia seeds, this focaccia bread offers a nutritious alternative to traditional bread, combining taste with health benefits.