Why Make This Recipe
Red Lentil Crackers are not only delicious but also very healthy. They offer a great alternative to store-bought snacks. Many people want snacks that are tasty yet nutritious. These crackers are made from red lentils, which are high in protein and fiber. This makes them a better choice compared to traditional crackers made from refined flour.
Additionally, making these crackers at home allows you to control the ingredients. You know exactly what goes into your food, which is always a plus. You can also customize the flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack for yourself or a crunchy treat for your kids, Red Lentil Crackers are a perfect choice.
These crackers are easy to make, and the cooking process is fun! It’s a great way to involve kids or friends in the kitchen. They can help mix the dough and cut the shapes. Finally, you can enjoy these tasty snacks with various dips or toppings. They pair well with hummus, guacamole, or even just a sprinkle of sea salt.
How to Make Red Lentil Crackers
Making Red Lentil Crackers is simple and requires just a few ingredients. If you follow the steps below, you will have a batch of crispy and flavorful crackers in no time.
Ingredients
To make Red Lentil Crackers, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 g Red Lentils
- ¾ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Rosemary
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp Sunflower Seeds
- 3 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 35 ml Olive Oil
Directions
Follow these steps to prepare your Red Lentil Crackers:
Preheat the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 180 °C (356 °F). This is important because you want your crackers to bake evenly and become crispy.
Make lentil flour. Take 200 g of red lentils and put them into a mixer. Blend them until they become a fine flour. Make sure there are no lumps.
Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the lentil flour with baking powder, garlic powder, rosemary, paprika, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well so that the flavors can blend together.
Add wet ingredients. Next, pour in 35 ml of olive oil and 100 ml of water into the dry mix. Stir everything together until it forms a thick dough. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little more water, but do it gradually.
Prepare the baking tray. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the crackers from sticking to the tray. Place the dough onto the parchment and cover it with another layer of parchment paper.
Roll out the dough. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 2-3 mm thickness. Try to make it as even as possible so that all the crackers bake equally.
Cut the shapes. Once rolled out, remove the top layer of parchment paper. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the rolled dough into your desired shapes. You can make squares, triangles, or any fun shape you like.
Bake the crackers. Place the baking tray on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly.
Cool before serving. After baking, remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Cooling them properly is essential, as they will crisp up even more as they cool.
How to Serve Red Lentil Crackers
Red Lentil Crackers can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them plain as a snack, or you can dip them into various spreads and sauces. Here are some ideas for serving:
With Dips: Hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki are perfect dips. The flavors of these dips enhance the taste of the crackers.
With Cheese: You can serve the crackers with slices of cheese for a simple yet tasty snack. Cheese adds creaminess that complements the crunchiness of the crackers.
As a Soup Side: Serve them alongside a warm bowl of soup. The crunchiness of the crackers contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of the soup.
As a Topping: Crumble the crackers over salads or as a topping for baked dishes. They add extra texture and flavor.
How to Store Red Lentil Crackers
Storing your homemade Red Lentil Crackers is easy. Once they are completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container. Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Properly stored, these crackers can last for up to two weeks.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the crackers in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, take a few out and leave them to thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Red Lentil Crackers
Here are some handy tips to help you make the best Red Lentil Crackers:
Blend Well: Make sure to blend the lentils finely. If they are not blended enough, the crackers may not have a smooth texture.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can add more garlic powder or even some chili powder for a spicy kick.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the crackers as they bake. The goal is to have them golden brown but not burned.
Use Different Seeds: You can substitute sunflower seeds and sesame seeds with other seeds like pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds for variety.
Variation
You can modify the recipe to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you might consider:
Herb Blend: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or basil to give the crackers a unique flavor.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy version of the crackers.
Cheesy Crackers: Mix in some nutritional yeast or grated cheese to create cheesy red lentil crackers.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lentils?
While this recipe is specific to red lentils, you could use yellow lentils. However, they may require different cooking times and result in a different texture.
2. Are these crackers gluten-free?
Yes, Red Lentil Crackers are gluten-free. They are made entirely from lentils and do not contain any wheat or other gluten sources.
3. How can I make them lower in fat?
You can reduce the amount of olive oil in the recipe. However, keep in mind that oil helps with texture and flavor, so if you cut down on oil, you may need to adjust the water content.
Making Red Lentil Crackers is a simple and enjoyable process. With these guidelines, you can create a wholesome snack that everyone will love. Enjoy the crunchy delight of homemade Red Lentil Crackers today!
Red Lentil Crackers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180 °C (356 °F).
- Blend 200 g of red lentils in a mixer until they become a fine flour.
- In a medium bowl, combine lentil flour with baking powder, garlic powder, rosemary, paprika, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour in 35 ml of olive oil and 100 ml of water into the dry mix. Stir until it forms a thick dough.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the dough onto the parchment and cover with another layer of parchment.
- Roll out the dough to about 2-3 mm thickness using a rolling pin.
- Cut the rolled dough into desired shapes with a knife or cookie cutter.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the crackers to cool on a wire rack before serving.