Need a High Protein, Plant-Based Snack? Crunchy LENTIL GRANOLA to the Rescue!

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🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness with a unique flavor.

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and more affordable.

dried fruit

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: coconut flakes

Coconut flakes add sweetness without added sugars.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate chips

💰Cheaper: cacao nibs

Cacao nibs provide a chocolate flavor with less sugar.

Add 2 cups of water to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add the dry red lentils and cook for about 6 and 1/2 to 7 minutes until they are just starting to fray at the edges.

Switch off the heat and drain the lentils into a strainer, then wash with a light spray of cold water.

Let the lentils drain for at least 10 minutes while preheating the oven to 320°F and prepping a baking sheet.

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper, transfer the drained lentils onto the sheet, and add 1 tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix lightly and spread the lentils out.

Bake the lentils in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes at 320°F.

In the meantime, mix maple syrup with vanilla, cinnamon, a little baking powder, and some oil.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven, add the maple mixture to the lentils, mix lightly, and add another teaspoon of oil. Spread the mixture out.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 300 to 305°F for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice in between.

If the lentils start to brown on the edges, reduce the temperature to 290 or 295°F and continue baking.

Remove the tray from the oven when most lentils are crispy, and add coconut or seeds, mixing lightly before returning to the oven at 270°F for about 10 minutes.

Switch off the oven and let the granola sit for another 10 minutes.

Add in dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates and mix into the warm granola.

Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

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Dietary

Allergens