I enjoy lentils and prefer to sprout them before eating. The sprouting process neutralizes enzyme inhibitors and removes phytic acid found in nuts, seeds, grains, beans and legumes. I’ve read many articles (mainly from the paleo/primal point of view) suggesting to avoid legumes completely because of their enzyme inhibitors, but if there’s a way to neutralize these enzymes, I’m OK occasionally including them in my diet.
Soaking and sprouting are really simple. I just cover the food with water and let it sit on the counter for 7-24 hours. If you have the extra time, sprouting lentils can increase nutrient density and make them easier to digest. I usually place the bowl of sprouting lentils on top of my refrigerator so it’s not in the way while I cook.
I like to have healthy snacks waiting for my girls when they arrive home from school. They usually arrive tired, needing a little nourishment, and this hummus has become one of their favorites. We enjoy it with bell pepper and seed crackers, but you could also use carrots, celery or another cracker to scoop up the dip.
Lentil Hummus
The hummus can be made without soaked or sprouted lentils. See below for instructions for cooking lentils.
Adapted from Martha Stewart. Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked lentils (see recipe below)
1/4 cup cashew cream (see recipe below)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Bell Pepper and Seed Crackers
Instructions:
Place lentils, cashew cream, lemon juice, garlic, hot sauce and salt in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil. Season to taste. Serve with seed crackers.
Cashew Cream
I keep this in the fridge and add it to bread and muffin recipes, or add it to smoothies.
Ingredients:
1 cup cashews
2 tablespoons coconut milk
Directions:
Place cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak, at room temperature, overnight. Drain. Place soaked cashews and coconut milk in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
Cooked Lentils
If you do not soak the lentils, then add an additional 1 1/2 cups of water and increase the cooking time to 20-30 minutes. (click here for step-by-step instructions) Makes 1 cup
Ingredients:
1 cup lentils (preferably soaked and sprouted)
1/2 cup water or chicken stock
Directions:
Place lentils and water (or chicken stock) in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, until lentils are soft.
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I rave about myself every night at the dinner table, “Honey, can you believe I made this??” And it’s all thanks to you!! (and teaching me that organic butter is welcomed and embraced! No more fat free, yay!!
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My daughter is allergic to coconut could I substitute regular milk for this in the cashew cream recipe? She is allergic to wheat, white sugar (we think sugar beats but not sure), oranges & bananas also … so it is hard for us to use many of the substitute milks on the market right now thankfully she can have regular milk.
–Pru
Yes, you can substitute with milk, or even water.
Love the sound of this hummus Carrie, linking back to it today
Thanks, Marla!
This looks fabulous! Such a great way to switch up hummus
Looks great! Wish I had some for lunch!
Why have I never tried a lentil hummus? I love this recipe!
I’m always been intrigued by lentil hummus. This looks great!
This looks so great Carrie! Love a healthy snack like this
What a great twist on hummus, Carrie. It’s beautiful too!
I love lentils so I definitely want to try this sometime (probably just with the cooked lentils though)
This recipe is just delicious!
Thank you!
I’m assuming these lentils are red lentils? There are several types out there…
They are green lentils.
Zowie! We made this recipe tonite and my taste buds are still dancing. This is definitely a keeper and I love that the lentils are sprouted. BTW, this was my first foray into sprouting lentils, and thanks to your tutorial, it worked just fine. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Thank you for the feedback! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Carrie, this sounds awesome. Will make it tomorrow for the kids to eat as part of their lunch! Will let you know how they like it. And honestly, I cannot wait to have some. You just made me hungry
I just made this and it’s really good. Will it keep in the fridge?
Yes, it will keep in the fridge for about 1 week.
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