Vegan Crispy Spiced Lentil Bites

Discover the ultimate snack or appetizer with these Vegan Crispy Spiced Lentil Bites—a plant-based delight that's bursting with bold flavors and satisfying crunch! Made with protein-packed red lentils, aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, and a touch of fresh cilantro, these savory bites are a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and vibrant seasoning. Oven-baked to golden perfection with a drizzle of olive oil, they’re not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare. Ideal for dipping, adding to wraps, or enjoying on their own, these lentil bites are a versatile, gluten-free, and nutritious option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or meal prepping, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and place them in a medium-sized pot.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the lentil mixture.

Step 6

Add the chickpea flour and baking powder to the lentil mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well integrated, and the mixture holds together.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

Using your hands, form the lentil mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9

Drizzle the olive oil over the lentil bites, ensuring they are all lightly coated.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 12

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

Serving size	(917.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	932.5

Total Fat 48.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2905.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.3g	0%
Total Sugars 15.7g
Protein 34.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 179.2mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 1607.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 40.0%