Lentils are one of my favorite things to meal prep with because they are so versatile. With 20 minutes in the oven, they are transformed into a mouthwateringly crispy crumble perfect for topping salads or just for a salty snack- Move over, potato chip roasted lentils are in the house!
What Kind of lentils?
Green or French lentils are best for making roasted lentils. Red and brown lentils are too soft and will not hold their texture through the cooking process. Red Lentils are best with soups and stews. Green lentils are excellent for meal prep because they are tender enough to absorb flavors and hold their texter. (I have not tried black lentils, but they might also work. Let me know if you try them).
Learn more about these amazing legumes, and their health benefits, how to cook lentils, and check out my ever-growing list of lentil recipes.
Cooking the green lentils:
If you are using canned lentils or already have some cooked up, you can skip this step.
Add about 3 cups of water and ½ cup of green lentils in a medium saucepan. You only need a half cup of the dry lentils for this recipe because they will double in size. But when I make lentils, I rarely only make a half cup- why not make more and have some ready in the refrigerator to add to meals later in the week?
Unlike quinoa or rice, you do not need an exact water-to-lentil ratio. Think more like you’re cooking pasta- you just need significantly more water than lentils. You can also use broth instead of adding an extra layer of flavor.
I like adding a bay leaf, an onion cut in half, and a clove of garlic to add flavor to the lentils. Do not salt the lentils before cooking! They will become tough and less appetizing. Bring the water and lentils to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook and low for 20-30 minutes or until tender.
Drain the water (or broth) from the lentils and set them aside until they come to room temperature before mixing into the salad. Discard the bay leaf, half onion, and garlic.
For a full guild read how to cook with green lentils.
What You Need:
- Cooked Lentils
- Extra virgin Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parchment paper lined baking sheet
Tips for making the best crispy roasted lentils:
Use firm lentils: When selecting lentils for roasting, opt for varieties that hold their shape well after cooking, such as green or brown lentils. These types of lentils tend to retain their texture during the roasting process, resulting in a satisfying crunch. If your lentils seem damp, lay them on a clean kitchen towel before baking.
Spread them out in a single layer: To ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness, it's essential to spread the lentils out in a single layer on your baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate the lentils, promoting even browning and preventing them from steaming or becoming soggy.
Stir every 10 minutes: To achieve uniform crispness and prevent potential burning, gently stir the lentils every 10 minutes throughout the baking time. This helps expose different sides of the lentils to the heat, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a delightful crunch.
Keep a close eye on them after 20 minutes: Roasting times may vary depending on your oven's temperature and the size of the lentils. Pay close attention to the lentils after the initial 20 minutes of roasting. They can quickly go from golden brown to overcooked if left unattended. Cooking times may vary depending on how much moisture the lentils have to start with.
Experiment with seasonings: One of the joys of roasting lentils is the opportunity to play around with different seasonings and flavors. Consider adding spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or Italian seasonings to enhance the taste of the lentils. Additionally, you can incorporate herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to infuse them with aromatic notes. Feel free to get creative and tailor the seasonings to your personal preferences.
Instructions:
Oven-Roasted Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Rinse and drain 1 cup of lentils, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Place the dried lentils on the prepared baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and spread them out in a single layer.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the lentils, or season them with your favorite spices for added flavor.
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring the lentils every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on them after the initial 20 minutes, as roasting times may vary. The lentils should turn golden brown and become crispy.
- Once the lentils are crispy and lightly browned, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Once completely cooled, transfer the crispy roasted lentils to an airtight container for storage or enjoy them immediately as a tasty and nutritious snack.
Panfrying Instructions:
Oven roasting is my preferred method because it is more hands-off, and you can cook so much more simultaneously. But recently on a family trip, we could not get the oven to work in the house we rented, so I tried pan frying. I was pleasantly surprised with the results.
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
- Add 1 cup of lentils to the heated skillet and spread them out in a single layer.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings, over the lentils for added flavor.
- Cook the lentils for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently with a spatula or spoon to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the lentils from burning. The goal is to achieve a golden brown color and a satisfying crunch.
- Once the lentils are crispy and have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Allow the lentils to cool slightly before enjoying them as a crunchy snack or incorporating them into your favorite recipes.
Learn more about lentils and all their nutrition facts and health benefits.
How to serve:
- Salty Snack: Once your batch of crispy roasted lentils is ready, set aside a portion to enjoy as a standalone snack. Their satisfying crunch and seasoned flavor make them a fantastic alternative to traditional potato chips or crackers. Simply place them in a bowl or small dish and serve them alongside your favorite dip, such as hummus or tzatziki, for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Salad topper: Give your salads a boost of texture by adding a handful of crispy roasted lentils as a topping. Their crunchy bite will complement the fresh vegetables and leafy greens, creating a contrast in both texture and taste. You can use them in a variety of salads, including green salads, grain-based salads, or roasted vegetable salads. Consider mixing them with other toppings like toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, or crumbled feta cheese for a vibrant and flavorful salad experience.
- Use them as a garnish for soups and stews: Crispy roasted lentils can be a wonderful garnish for soups and stews, adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. Sprinkle them on top of hearty vegetable soups like mushroom lentil soup or creamy pureed soups like Butternut Squash Soup.
- Grain bowls: Build a satisfying grain bowl by adding crispy roasted lentils as a protein-rich component. Combine cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or farro with roasted vegetables, fresh greens, and a flavorful dressing. Then, top it off with a generous sprinkle of lentils for a satisfying crunch that takes your grain bowl to the next level.
- Savory trail mix: Combine your crispy lentils with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Mix in a homemade spice blend for a flavor-packed punch, incorporating spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for a touch of heat. Don't forget to include the crunch of sunflower seeds, which adds both texture and a nutritious boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Wraps and sandwiches: Add a handful of crispy roasted lentils when assembling wraps or sandwiches for an unexpected and delightful crunch. They can add a textural element to your favorite fillings, whether you're making a veggie wrap, a falafel sandwich, or a roasted vegetable panini. The lentils will provide a pleasant contrast.
Spice it up:
Feel free to experiment with seasonings based on how you plan to use your crispy lentils. For a Middle Eastern-inspired salad, try seasoning them with Za’atar or Aleppo pepper. If you're adding them to a chopped salad, smoked paprika gives them a deliciously smoky flavor, making them a great vegan alternative to bacon bits.
Storing:
To keep your crunchy lentils at their best, it's important to store them properly. Transfer the cooled crispy lentils to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to maintain their texture and prevent them from absorbing moisture, which can cause them to lose their crunchiness. Whenever you're craving your favorite way to enjoy them, simply reach for the container and savor the satisfying crunch of these crunchy lentils.
If you’ve tried this Crispy Roasted Lentils recipe or any other recipe on BalancingBowls, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more tasty meals and anything else I’m up to.
Recipe
Crispy Roasted Lentils
Ingredients
- Cooked Lentils
- Extra virgin Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Oven-Roasted Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Rinse and drain 1 cup of lentils, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Place the dried lentils on the prepared baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and spread them out in a single layer.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the lentils, or season them with your favorite spices for added flavor.
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring the lentils every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on them after the initial 20 minutes, as roasting times may vary. The lentils should turn golden brown and become crispy.
- Once the lentils are crispy and lightly browned, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Once completely cooled, transfer the crispy roasted lentils to an airtight container for storage or enjoy them immediately as a tasty and nutritious snack.
Notes
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
Add 1 cup of lentils to the heated skillet and spread them out in a single layer.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings, over the lentils for added flavor.
Cook the lentils for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently with a spatula or spoon to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Leah says
What do you do with the olive oil in the ingredient list?
Nora Bourdeau says
after placing the lentils on to the baking sheet drizzle with olive before spreading them out in a single layer. thanks for letting know- I just updated the post.