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!
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.
1 cup Cooked Lentils
Place the dried lentils on the prepared baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and spread them out in a single layer.
1 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the lentils, or season them with your favorite spices for added flavor.
⅛ teaspoon Salt, ⅛ teaspoon Pepper, spices
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
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.