Lentilicious Crunchies—Snack for 2
“Lentilicious Crunchies” is an Indian-inspired snack featuring protein-rich lentils. These bite-sized treats are baked until crispy, offering a satisfying crunch. Their robust flavor, derived from traditional Indian spices, makes them a delightful and nutritious alternative to conventional snack options. Enjoy them anytime for a healthy, flavorful boost.
Do This With That Stuff
- ‘Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water using a colander
- Place the rinsed lentils into a large pot
- Add 2 cups of water to the pot with lentils
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender
- While the lentils are cooking, finely chop 1/4 cup of onion and 2 green chilies using a chopping board and knife Also mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tbsp of ginger using a grater
- In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat
- Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds to the heated oil and let them crackle for about 30 seconds
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies to the pan Stir well with a stirring spoon and sauté until onions become translucent
- Add cooked lentils (drained if necessary) to the frying pan with onions and spices Mix well with stirring spoon
- Add 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp garam masala powder to the pan Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly Cook for another two minutes on low heat while stirring occasionally
- Turn off the heat Add salt to taste along with chopped coriander leaves (about 1/4 cup) and mix well again using stirring spoon
- Finally add in 1 tbsp lemon juice into mixture in frying pan Stir one last time ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed
- Let Lentilicious Crunchies cool down before serving as snack’
Obvious and Not So Obvious Variations and Pairings
☕ Bitter
- ‘Add 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds
- Increase turmeric powder to 2 tsp
- Add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds
- Increase green chilies to 3, finely chopped
- Add a pinch of powdered bitter gourd (optional)’
🧂 Salty
- Increase salt to 1.5 tsp
- Add 1/2 tsp black salt
- Add 1/2 tsp of soy sauce
- Add 1/2 tsp of celery salt
🍋 Sour
- Increase the lemon juice to 2 tbsp
- Add 1 tsp of tamarind paste
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes
- Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
🌶️ Spicy
- Increase red chili powder to 1 tsp
- Add 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- Increase green chilies to 3, finely chopped
- Add 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper
- Add 1 tsp of paprika
🍬 Sweet
- Add 1/4 cup of raisins
- Add 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
- Increase the lemon juice to 2 tbsp
- Add 1 tbsp of honey
- Replace red chili powder with 1/2 tsp of paprika
🍄 Umami
- Add 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Add 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- Increase garlic to 4 cloves
- Add 1 tsp miso paste
- Replace water with vegetable broth
🍸 Alcoholic
- ‘Kingfisher Beer: The light, crisp flavor of this Indian beer complements the spicy and savory flavors of the dish
- Chenin Blanc: This white wine’s high acidity and slightly sweet profile balance out the heat and spices in the dish
- Cognac: The rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste of Cognac can provide a nice contrast to the spicy and tangy flavors in the recipe’
🥤 Non Alcoholic
- ‘Mango Lassi: The sweetness and creaminess of this traditional Indian yogurt-based drink will balance the spiciness of the Lentilicious Crunchies
- Masala Chai: The warm spices in masala chai complement the spices used in the dish, providing a harmonious flavor profile
- Cucumber Mint Cooler: The refreshing and cooling properties of cucumber and mint will provide a contrast to the heat from the chili and spices in the dish’
🥓 Keto
- ‘Remove 1 cup lentils
- Add 1 cup cauliflower rice
- Increase olive oil to 2 tbsp
- Add 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers’
🍆 Mediterranean
- Remove garam masala powder
- Replace turmeric powder with 1 tsp paprika
- Replace cumin seeds with 1 tsp dried oregano
- Replace red chili powder with 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Add 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- Replace coriander leaves with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Replace green chilies with 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- Add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
🥑 Paleo
- ‘Remove 1 cup lentils
- Add 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes
- Remove 2 cups water
- Add 2 cups of chicken broth
- Remove 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Add 1 tsp of paprika powder
- Remove 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
- Add 1/2 tsp of black pepper’
🐟 Pescatarian
- Add 1 cup of peeled and deveined shrimp
- Add 1/2 tsp of seafood seasoning
🌱 Vegan
- No changes are required to make this recipe vegan friendly. All ingredients listed are already suitable for a vegan diet.
🥦 Vegetarian
- No changes are necessary to make the recipe vegetarian friendly. The current recipe is already suitable for a vegetarian diet.
🥩 Whole30
- No changes needed
🧠 Brain Health
- ‘Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- Add 1 tbsp of flaxseeds
- Replace olive oil with 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- Add 1/2 cup of blueberries
- Increase turmeric powder to 2 tsp’
🌾 Celiac Disease
- No changes necessary. The recipe is already celiac disease friendly as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
💩 Crohns Disease
- ‘Remove red chili powder
- Remove green chilies
- Decrease turmeric powder to 1/2 tsp
- Decrease cumin seeds to 1/2 tsp
- Decrease garam masala powder to 1/4 tsp
- Increase water to 3 cups for better digestion of lentils’
🩸 Diabetes
- No changes needed. The recipe is already diabetes-friendly. It is high in fiber, low in fat, and does not contain added sugars or unhealthy carbohydrates.
🍞 Gluten Intolerance
- No changes necessary. The provided recipe is already gluten-free as it does not contain any ingredients with gluten.
🫀 Heart Disease
- ‘Replace olive oil with 1 tbsp of canola oil
- Decrease the red chili powder to 1/4 tsp
- Replace salt with a salt substitute to taste’
❤️ Heart Health
- ‘Replace olive oil with 1 tbsp of canola oil
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes
- Decrease red chili powder to 1/4 tsp
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped spinach’
🧂 High Blood Pressure
- ‘Remove Salt
- Replace red chili powder with 1/4 tsp paprika
- Replace olive oil with 1 tbsp of avocado oil
- Add 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- Add 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes’
🍔 High Cholesterol
- Decrease olive oil to 1/2 tbsp
- Add 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- Add 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- Replace red chili powder with 1/4 tsp paprika
🦠 Immune System
- ‘Add 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped broccoli
- Add 1 tbsp of chopped garlic
- Increase turmeric powder to 2 tsp
- Increase ginger to 2 tbsp
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped spinach
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped mushrooms
- Increase lemon juice to 2 tbsp’
🚽 Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- ‘Remove 2 green chilies
- Remove 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Decrease garlic to 1 clove
- Replace onion with 1/4 cup of chives, finely chopped
- Replace lentils with canned lentils, rinsed and drained’
💧 Kidney Disease
- ‘Remove salt
- Decrease the red chili powder to 1/4 tsp
- Decrease the green chilies to 1, finely chopped
- Replace lentils with 1 cup of cauliflower, riced
- Add 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped’
🐄 Lactose Intolerance
- No changes are required for this recipe to be lactose intolerance friendly. All ingredients listed are naturally lactose-free.
🍺 Liver Disease
- ‘Remove red chili powder
- Decrease cumin seeds to 1/2 tsp
- Decrease garam masala powder to 1/4 tsp
- Increase olive oil to 2 tbsp
- Increase lemon juice to 2 tbsp’
🤰 Pregnancy
- Decrease red chili powder to 1/4 tsp
- Decrease green chilies to 1 chili
- Increase ginger to 2 tbsp
- Add 1/2 cup of spinach, chopped
Beti’s Reflections
On one of my culinary adventures, I stumbled upon a delightful Indian Lentil Recipe that instantly became a favorite. It was during a vibrant street food festival in Mumbai, where the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and the sizzle of cooking. Amidst the myriad of flavors, one snack stood out – Lentilicious Crunchies. This Spicy Lentil Snack was so irresistible that I knew I had to share it with my readers on TheKitchen.ai.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Easy Lentilicious Crunchies, a Healthy Indian Snack perfect for two. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein-rich lentils, making it an excellent choice for those seeking nutritious snack options. However, do note that this recipe contains spices and lentils which may not be suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
The magic of this Homemade Lentil Crunchies lies in its ingredients – 1 cup lentils and traditional Indian spices like 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp cumin seeds that lend an earthy flavor; 1/2 tsp red chili powder and 2 finely chopped green chilies for that spicy kick; 1/2 tsp garam masala powder adding depth; and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist. The addition of finely chopped onions, minced garlic cloves, and grated ginger infuses an aromatic essence into these crunchies while olive oil gives them their crisp texture.
Making these Spicy Lentil Crunchies is as easy as pie! Start by rinsing your lentils under cold water before simmering them until tender – this is your first step towards creating your Easy Indian Lentil Recipe! While your lentils are bubbling away, chop up your onions and green chilies then mince your garlic cloves and grate some ginger. Heat up some olive oil in a frying pan, crackle your cumin seeds, and sauté your chopped ingredients until the onions turn translucent. Add in your cooked lentils and sprinkle in your spices, stirring well to ensure all the flavors meld together. A dash of salt, a handful of chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice later, you’ve got yourself some Healthy Lentilicious Crunchies!
And there you have it – a simple yet flavorful Indian Cuisine Lentil Dish that’s perfect for snacking or as an accompaniment to your main meal. These Lentilicious Crunchies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to incorporate lentils into your diet. So next time you’re looking for a Healthy Snack Recipe with Lentils or want to try out some Easy Indian Cooking, remember these delightful crunchies. Enjoy the crunch and savor the flavors!
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