Name: Toasted Lentils with Spices
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients: 250 g Cooked lentils; 20 ml Extra virgin olive oil; 20 g Sweet paprika; 15 g Smoked paprika; 10 g Onion powder; 5 g Ground cinnamon; 1 al gusto Salt; 1 al gusto Pepper

Description

These toasted lentils with spices are a perfect vegan snack to enjoy at any time. The combination of sweet and smoked paprika, onion powder and cinnamon creates a unique and delicious flavor. They are very easy to prepare and can be enjoyed alone or as an accompaniment. I often prepare them to snack on something healthy between meals or to serve as an appetizer at informal gatherings. A crunchy and flavorful bite that you will love! In addition, they are rich in protein and fiber, which makes them a nutritious and satisfying option.

Ingredients (8 ingredients)

250 g Cooked lentils

20 ml Extra virgin olive oil

20 g Sweet paprika

15 g Smoked paprika

10 g Onion powder

5 g Ground cinnamon

1 al gusto Salt

1 al gusto Pepper

Preparation (2 steps)

Mix the lentils with oil and spices

Thermomix® Setting

10 sec/Speed 3

In the Thermomix bowl, add the cooked lentils, extra virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well for 10 seconds at speed 3.

Toast the lentils

Spread the mixed lentils in the air fryer in a single layer. If necessary, toast in batches to ensure that all the lentils are cooked evenly. Toast for 10 minutes at 180°C.

Finished cooking? Great! 🎉

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About this recipe

Toasted lentils with spices are a memory from my childhood, although we didn't prepare them like this back then. My grandmother always had a jar of hand-cooked lentils, ready to add to stews or salads. The idea of toasting them arose from the need to find a healthy and crunchy snack for my children, something that was not fried or full of sugars. Experimenting with spices, I came to this combination that is now a success at home. The secret of these lentils lies in the quality and balance of the spices. Sweet paprika provides a touch of warmth and an attractive reddish color, while smoked paprika adds depth and a flavor reminiscent of barbecue, but subtly. Onion powder intensifies the umami flavor, providing a tasty base that complements the other spices. Cinnamon, although it may seem unusual, adds a sweet and spicy touch that balances the salinity and spiciness. It is important to use already cooked lentils, preferably of good quality. If you cook them at home, make sure they are al dente, not too soft, so that they maintain their shape when toasted. To prepare these lentils in the Thermomix®, the process is very simple. The Thermomix® ensures a homogeneous mixture of the lentils with the oil and spices, which is essential so that each lentil is impregnated with flavor. It is important not to exceed speed 3 when mixing, since we do not want to crush the lentils, but simply impregnate them. If you don't have a Thermomix®, you can mix the ingredients in a large bowl, making sure that all the lentils are well covered. The key to perfect toasting is to spread the lentils in a single layer in the air fryer. If you have a small fryer, it is better to toast in batches to prevent them from piling up and cooking unevenly. Watch the lentils during toasting, as the time may vary slightly depending on the fryer. They should be crispy and golden brown, but not burnt. Toasted lentils with spices are naturally vegan and gluten-free. For a vegetarian version, you can add a little grated Parmesan cheese before toasting. As for the spices, the possibilities are endless. You can try curry powder, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder or even a mixture of Provençal herbs. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce. These lentils are a perfect snack to enjoy alone, but they can also be used as a topping for salads, soups or creams. They are an excellent accompaniment to rice or quinoa dishes, providing a crunchy and tasty touch. You can also serve them as an appetizer at informal gatherings, accompanied by a yogurt sauce or hummus. Toasted lentils with spices keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. If you prepare them in advance, make sure they are completely cold before storing them to prevent them from getting damp. You can also prepare the lentils with the spices in advance and toast them just before serving so they are crispier.