Ingredients

• Red lentils: 180 grams (1 cup)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Yogurt: 100 grams (1/2 cup)
• Salt: A pinch
• Dried garlic: 1/2 teaspoon
• Parmesan cheese: 30 grams (1/4 cup), grated
• Parsley: A handful, chopped
• Baking powder: 10 grams (2 teaspoons)
• Olive oil: 20 ml (1 1/2 tablespoons)
• Sesame seeds: For sprinkling on top
• Vegetable oil: For greasing the baking pan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

1. Soak the Lentils: Place the lentils in a bowl and cover with water. Let them sit for at least 1 hour to soften. This helps to make them easier to blend and improves the texture of the bread.
2. Rinse and Drain: After soaking, rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain well.

Step 2: Blend the Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the drained lentils, eggs, yogurt, salt, dried garlic, and olive oil. Use an immersion blender to blend the ingredients into a smooth batter. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender or food processor.
2. Add Parmesan and Parsley: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Incorporate Baking Powder: Add the baking powder and gently fold it into the batter until just combined. This will help the bread to rise and become fluffy during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a loaf pan with vegetable oil to prevent the bread from sticking. You can use a brush or paper towel to spread the oil evenly.

Step 4: Pour and Sprinkle

1. Pour the Batter: Pour the prepared lentil batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top of the batter. This adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the finished bread.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cooled lentil bread and serve as desired. It’s perfect for sandwiches, as a side, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Tips for the Best Lentil Bread

• Variations: Add your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for extra flavor. You can also include seeds like sunflower or flax for additional texture.
• Storage: Store the  bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well; just slice and wrap in plastic wrap before freezing.
• Serving Suggestions: This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or as a healthy base for open-faced sandwiches.