Lentil and Seed Apple Bake
This Lentil and Seed Apple Bake is a novel take on traditional baked goods; it’s naturally sweet, filling, and healthy. It delivers a lovely blend of earthy, nutty, and fruity aromas and is loaded with protein-rich lentils, crunchy seeds, and juicy apples. This healthy bake is ideal for breakfast, a filling snack, or even a light dessert. It demonstrates that eating well can be both tasty and fulfilling.
Ingredients:
200 g lentils
30 ml olive oil
2 tablespoons rice (ground in a coffee grinder)
6 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons flaxseeds (ground in a coffee grinder)
20 g pumpkin seeds (chopped)
1 apple (chopped or grated)
A pinch of salt
Coriander (to taste)
2 tablespoons oats
10 g baking powder
Extra pumpkin seeds (for topping)
Vegetable oil (for greasing)
Directions:
Soak the Lentils:
Fill a bowl with water and soak the lentils for at least 1 hour. Rinse and drain the lentils afterward.
Blend the Lentils:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soaked lentils until smooth. Add the olive oil and blend to combine.
Prepare the Rice Flour:
Grind 2 tablespoons of rice in a coffee grinder until it becomes a fine powder.
Prepare the Flaxseed Mixture:
Grind 3 tablespoons of flaxseeds and mix them with 6 tablespoons of water. Let sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Chop the Pumpkin Seeds:
Chop 20 g of pumpkin seeds with a knife for texture.
Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix the lentil blend, ground rice, flaxseed mixture, chopped pumpkin seeds, apple, salt, coriander, oats, and baking powder. Stir well until everything is well incorporated.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and pour the mixture into the dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra pumpkin seeds.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the dish for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a bit of sweetness.
This bake pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a smoothie for a healthy breakfast.
Cooking Tips:
Adjust the seasoning with your favorite herbs or spices for a different flavor profile.
For added crunch, you can top the bake with sunflower seeds or nuts before baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds add healthy fats and essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium.
Apples provide natural sweetness and are high in fiber and antioxidants