Crispy Roasted Lentils

These Roasted Lentils are crispy, flavorful, and make the perfect healthy snack! Pop 'em by themselves or on a salad or soup instead of croutons or nuts!

If you've been following Worn Slap Out for awhile now, you know that we eat decently healthy...within reason. This means that I don't forbid my kids from eating processed foods or other junk foods, but I try to have more whole foods readily available for my kids to eat instead. This is easier said than done. I recently opened my pantry to realize I have only kept junk food stocked (thanks, busy weeknight sports schedules and Costco!). I opened my pantry to see a plethora of snack food that was of the "grab and go" variety like Cheez-Its, Goldfish, Pirate's Booty, etc.

I did a social experiment where I put different foods that were healthier that I needed to use up in the different compartments of a muffin tin and placed it on the counter where the kids do their homework after school. I included raspberries and blueberries that were close to going bad, the last few veggie straws in a bag, rogue carrot sticks, a couple boxes of raisins the kids had gotten after sports games, and these crispy roasted lentils. Much to my surprise, the kids devoured the healthy snacks, forgetting about the usual junk they gravitate toward. I consider that a parenting win.

What's the lesson in this? Kids will surprise you with what they will eat when you place things in front of them. Don't give up.

A Short List of Ingredients

You only need the following ingredients to roast lentils that are both crispy and flavorful:

• pre-cooked lentils (I use canned lentils)
• olive oil
• garlic powder
• salt

Variations

The spice profile you are seeking is really up to you, so feel free to get creative. Here are some other spice combinations that are delicious:

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder + cumin
• Smoked paprika + garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Curry powder + garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• salt + pepper

How to Make Crispy Roasted Lentils

Step 1: Get prepared

Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Drain and rinse lentils

Do this with a fine mesh sieve or colander. Lay out on paper towels, getting as much of the moisture off as possible. This is the hardest you will work.

Step 3: Toss with spices

Toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Spread out evenly on baking sheet.

Step 4: Roast it up

Roast for about 20 minutes, shaking every few minutes to get an even crisp. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!

Uses for Roasted Lentils

Eat them as a healthy snack!

These lentils are so delicious by themselves. My daughter snacks on these crispy roasted lentils like she's popping popcorn. They're addictive...and way better than eating potato chips that she'd otherwise be eating.

Add them to a salad instead of croutons!

Whether you're gluten free and/or nut free or not, subbing roasted lentils for croutons or nuts is a nice change of pace. The roasted lentils add the perfect crunch to so many salads, including a Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad, Copycat Sweetgreen Pesto Parm Salad, Citrus Fennel Salad, or a Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette.

Add some crunch to your soup!

I love some good texture in an otherwise regular soup. Try adding the crispy roasted lentils in a pumpkin soup, easy roasted butternut squash soup, or a ham and potato soup.

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Happy healthy snacking!

xox,

kathryn