Healthy Lentil and Zucchini Bread: A Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Wonder
Ingredients
Base
- 200g dried lentils
- 75ml water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 100g grated zucchini
- Salt to taste
Binding Agents
- 20g flaxseeds, plus extra for topping
- 20g psyllium husk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (divided)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For the Pan
- 1-2 teaspoons vegetable oil for greasing
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Lentil Preparation
- Rinse 200g lentils thoroughly
- Cover with water and soak for 1-2 hours
- Drain and rinse again
- Blend with 75ml water until smooth
Step 2: Vegetable Integration
- Finely chop red onion
- Grate zucchini
- Mix vegetables into lentil paste
- Add olive oil and salt
Step 3: Binding Elements
- Grind 20g flaxseeds in coffee grinder
- Add to mixture
- Incorporate psyllium husk
- Add 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Mix in apple cider vinegar
- Add remaining baking powder
Step 4: Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease loaf pan
- Pour batter into pan
- Sprinkle top with whole flaxseeds
- Bake 40-50 minutes until golden
Pro Tips for Success
- Use any variety of lentils except red (they’re too soft)
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini
- Let bread cool completely before slicing
- Store in airtight container or slice and freeze
Nutrition Information (per slice)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Healthy Fats: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 8% DV
- Magnesium: 10% DV
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: 2-3 days in airtight container
- Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
- Frozen: Up to 3 months (slice before freezing)
Serving Suggestions
- Toast and top with avocado
- Use as sandwich bread
- Serve with soup or stew
- Perfect for breakfast with nut butter
- Excellent base for open-faced sandwiches
Variations
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Include seeds like sunflower or pumpkin
- Add grated carrot instead of zucchini
- Include garlic for extra flavor
- Add dried herbs or spices
Troubleshooting Tips
- If too wet: Add more psyllium husk
- If too dry: Add water gradually
- If dense: Check baking powder freshness
- If crumbly: Increase psyllium husk slightly