Description
These crispy lentils are the easiest meal prep staple! With just 3 simple ingredients, plain lentils transform into lightly crisp, savory bites that are perfect for sprinkling on salads, grain bowls, pasta, tacos and more. Vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (15-ounce) cans brown or black lentils, drained, rinsed and patted dry (dry very well for best results)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, or 400°F if using a ceramic-coated nonstick sheet pan (such as Caraway). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
- Rinse and drain the lentils. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel, place a second towel on top, and gently pat until very dry.
- Place the lentils on a large sheet pan or two small sheetpans and toss with the avocado oil and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the lentils in a single, even layer. Do not use parchment paper. Leave space between the lentils so they do not overlap.
- Bake on the middle rack for 17-20 minutes, until lightly crisp. If using black lentils, check at 15-17 minutes, as black lentils are smaller and finish sooner.
- Remove from the oven and let the lentils cool undisturbed in a single layer for at least 15 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Taste and add additional salt if desired. Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
- Drying the lentils thoroughly before roasting is essential for crispiness. Handle them gently while drying, as they are delicate.
- If using a ceramic-coated nonstick pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees (to 400°F), as these pans conduct heat differently and can cause burning at higher temperatures.
- This recipe has not been tested with parchment paper. The lentils may not crisp as well on parchment.
- Both cans can be the same variety of lentil (all brown or all black) if preferred. Do not use red lentils.
- For flavor variations, toss the lentils with 1-2 teaspoons of a spice blend (taco seasoning, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning or barbecue seasoning) along with the oil and salt before roasting.
- Store cooled lentils in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fairly crispy and do not get soggy.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Breakfast or Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American