Vegan Crispy Spiced Lentil Bites
Discover the perfect balance of flavor and texture with these Vegan Crispy Spiced Lentil Bites—a wholesome, plant-based delight that’s ideal for snacking, appetizers, or a light meal. Packed with protein-rich red lentils, aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, and a touch of fresh cilantro, these bite-sized wonders are baked to golden, crunchy perfection. The addition of chickpea flour and baking powder creates a sturdy yet tender texture, while a light drizzle of olive oil ensures a satisfying crispness without deep frying. Ready in under an hour, these vegan lentil bites are a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with dips, salads, or wraps, offering a guilt-free, flavorful experience. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, they’re a must-try for lovers of healthy, spice-infused recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 small onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and place them in a medium-sized pot.
Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool slightly.
While the lentils are cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the lentil mixture.
Add the chickpea flour and baking powder to the lentil mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well integrated, and the mixture holds together.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using your hands, form the lentil mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the lentil bites, ensuring they are all lightly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these lentil bites warm, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.5 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 646 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 17.0 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 57 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 702 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
