Ingredients:

For the Lentil Bread:

• 250 grams lentils
• 700ml water (plus an additional 100ml)
• 30ml olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rice flour (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 5 grams baking powder
• 2 tablespoons psyllium husk
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Vegetable oil, for greasing
• A handful of sunflower seeds
• A handful of sesame seeds

For the Greek Yogurt Sauce:

• 250g Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, finely chopped
• A few sprigs of dill, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dry garlic

Instructions:

For the Lentil Bread:

1. Prepare the Lentils:
   • Rinse the lentils under cold water and soak them in 700ml of water for about 2-3 hours.
   • After soaking, drain the lentils and blend them with an additional 100ml of water until smooth.
2. Mix the Batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine the lentil puree with olive oil, rice flour, turmeric, ground coriander, baking powder, psyllium husk, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well until you have a thick, cohesive batter.
   • If the batter is too runny, add more rice flour until the consistency is right.
3. Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Grease a loaf pan with vegetable oil and sprinkle some sunflower and sesame seeds at the bottom.
4. Bake the Bread:
   • Pour the lentil batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
   • Sprinkle more seeds on top for a crunchy finish.
   • Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Slice:
   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Slice and serve with the Greek yogurt sauce.

For the Greek Yogurt Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the finely chopped cucumber, dill, salt, and dry garlic.
2. Chill and Serve:
   • Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips:

• Soaking Time: The lentils need adequate soaking to ensure they blend smoothly. Don’t skip this step for a creamy batter.
• Consistency: If the batter feels too thick, add a bit more water. If it’s too runny, gradually add rice flour until you reach the desired consistency.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of cumin or paprika to the batter.
• Serving Suggestion: This lentil bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs exceptionally well with the Greek yogurt sauce. You can also serve it with a side of mixed greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

• Lentil Bread: Store the lentil bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Greek Yogurt Sauce: The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the water from the cucumber may separate slightly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g

Possible Questions:

• Can I use red lentils instead of green? Yes, red lentils work well and cook faster. They will give a slightly different texture and flavor but are equally nutritious.
• What if I don’t have psyllium husk? Psyllium husk acts as a binder. You can replace it with ground flaxseeds or chia seeds soaked in water.
• Can I make the bread gluten-free? This recipe is already gluten-free as it uses rice flour. Make sure all ingredients, especially baking powder, are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Conclusion:

This lentil bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations. It embodies the essence of healthy eating—simple, nourishing, and flavorful. Whether you’re making this bread as a nostalgic nod to the past or incorporating it into your modern diet, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with the tangy Greek yogurt sauce, or savor it toasted with a spread of butter or avocado. Here’s to healthy living and delicious food!