Lentil Focaccia with Olives: A Simple Weeknight Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) lentils, rinsed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 6 large olives, pitted and halved
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Fresh rosemary, for garnish
• Vegetable oil, for greasing
• Damp parchment paper, for lining the pan

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Baking pan (8-inch square or similar)
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Lentils: Place the lentils in a bowl with enough water to cover them. Let them soak for 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse well before using.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the soaked lentils, eggs, psyllium husk, ground flaxseed, salt, baking powder, dried garlic, oregano, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until you achieve a thick, uniform batter.
3. Prepare the Pan: Line your baking pan with damp parchment paper and grease it lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Rest the Mixture: Pour the lentil mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
5. Add Olives and Toppings: Gently press the halved olives into the top of the batter. Then sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh rosemary, drizzling lightly with vegetable oil for added flavor.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be crisp, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm, or let it cool completely for later use.

Pro Tips

• Make sure to soak the lentils long enough; it really helps with the texture.
• Feel free to experiment with toppings—sun-dried tomatoes or different herbs work wonderfully.
• For a more rustic look, don’t worry about smoothing the batter perfectly; a little texture gives it character.

Common Mistakes

• Not soaking the lentils long enough can lead to a dense texture.
• Using too much baking powder may create an off taste—stick to the recommended measurement.
• Skipping the resting time for the batter can affect the final rise and texture.

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added aroma.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix in some nutritional yeast or your favorite cheese for a richer flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Include sundried tomatoes and feta cheese for a tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions

This lentil focaccia is delicious warm out of the oven but can also be toasted for a crispy treat. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, some homemade hummus, or simply enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Storage Instructions

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap individual slices and freeze them for longer storage.

Reheating Tips

To enjoy reheated focaccia, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its crisp texture, or pop it in a toaster oven for a quick warm-up.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: ~160
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 6g

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Snack/Bread
Calories: ~160

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other legumes?
   Yes! Chickpeas or black beans can be used as well, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! It contains no gluten products.
3. Can I make this vegan?
   Yes, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia gel (1 tablespoon flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
4. What can I serve this with?
   It pairs nicely with soups, dips, or can be enjoyed as a snack on its own.
5. How can I adapt the flavor?
   Play with spices or toppings to tailor it to your taste preferences; garlic or even Italian seasoning blends work well.

This Lentil Focaccia Bread with Olives not only fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma while baking, but it also delivers wholesome goodness with every bite. What could be better than a bread that’s nourishing and satisfying? Give it a try—you might just fall in love with your new favorite recipe!