Lentil Bread with Marinated Tomatoes

Soak Lentils: Place the raw lentils in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for 2-8 hours. Soaking the lentils not only reduces the cooking time but also enhances digestibility by breaking down anti-nutrients.

Blend Lentils: Drain the soaked lentils and blend them into a coarse mixture using a blender or food processor. The mixture should have a grainy texture, not too smooth, to give the bread a good structure.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaxseed flour, psyllium husk, cocoa powder, cumin seeds, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Combine Ingredients: Add the blended lentils to the dry mixture and mix thoroughly. Gradually add the water and lemon juice to the mixture, stirring until a dough-like consistency forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Bake: Place the shaped dough in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling is important as it helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes with lemon juice, soy sauce, oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, and fresh basil. The combination of these ingredients will create a flavorful and vibrant topping that pairs perfectly with the lentil bread.

Season: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and lets the tomatoes absorb the marinade fully.

Slice and Serve: Slice the cooled lentil bread and arrange it on a serving plate. Serve the marinated tomatoes on the side or spoon them directly over the slices of bread for a delicious and healthy meal.

Cooking Tips

Customize the Flavor: Add your favorite dried herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or garlic powder, to the lentil dough to customize the bread’s flavor profile.

Add Texture: For a crunchy texture, consider adding seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) or chopped nuts to the bread mixture before baking.
Versatility of Marinated Tomatoes: The marinated tomatoes can also be used as a topping for other dishes, such as grilled vegetables, pasta, or even as a fresh salsa alternative.