Lentil Bread (Vegan)

Name: Lentil Bread (Vegan)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups dry split red lentils (soaked, and drained*); 1/2 cup whole psyllium husks; 2 tablespoons neutral flavored oil ((optional)); 1/2 cup water; 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice); 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish (optional))

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4-Ingredient Easy Lentil Bread (Vegan), made with red lentils for extra protein. The perfect texture every time. Healthy, delicious and dairy-free. This protein-rich red lentil bread is flourless, making it a suitable choice for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. (Grain-free, soy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free.)

Five red lentil gluten-free rolls with black and white sesame seeds on top on a round wooden cutting board next to a sliced roll topped with hummus and kimchi and a serrated knife.

These no-yeast, vegan, gluten-free lentil rolls pack in both soluble and insoluble fiber, keeping you satisfied for hours. Plus, they actually taste good! These vegan rolls are deliciously crusty on the outside, and perfectly soft and springy on the inside. Even kids love them.

Enjoy these as a healthy snack paired with hummus and kimchi. Or shape them into sandwich rolls and make mini sandwiches. They keep well for up to 2 days on the counter, and can be frozen for later use.

This lentil bread recipe was inspired by my 2-Ingredient Flaxseed Crackers, and these Easy Lentil Quinoa Flatbreads on my site.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🥖 Substitutions
📖 Instructions
💡 Expert Tips
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🍽 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
Lentil Bread (Vegan)
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Baking soda, sesame seeds, olive oil, psyllium husk, and apple cider vinegar in small containers with red lentils in a sieve on a white wooden background.

Red lentils are a nutrition powerhouse. (I used split red lentils for this recipe.) These tiny gems are packed with protein, iron, and fiber. Plus, lentils have a low glycemic index, which means they cause a gradual increase in blood sugar levels. By incorporating red lentils into bread, you add nutritional diversity to your diet, making it more balanced and wholesome. (Read my Vegan Protein Guide with Recipes for more high-protein plant-based foods.)
Baking soda reacts with apple cider vinegar creating carbon dioxide bubbles that allow the bread to rise. Baking soda is the best leavening agent for these lentil gluten-free rolls. A little bit goes a long way, so it does not change their wholesome flavor. This is a yeast-free and gluten-free bread recipe.
Oil contributes to the overall texture of the bread, giving it a smoother and more even crumb structure. I recommend adding some but it is optional.
Sesame seeds are a decorative element, but can be omitted.
Psyllium husks are a worthwhile investment for making healthy breads. Many gluten-free flourless bread recipes require psyllium husk for the best texture. It guarantees a good crumb structure and the bread holds together very well. Use whole psyllium husks and not the powdered variety. It is widely available at health food stores, and online. Not only are they great for baking, psyllium husks may improve digestive health, heart health, and colon health, and are also beneficial for weight management and blood sugar control.

See recipe card for quantities.

🥖 Substitutions

Psyllium husks - You can substitute the husks with flaxseed meal (see recipe for quantities). Use golden flaxseed meal for this recipe as it has a milder flavor, and soak the red lentils for a maximum of 4 hours. I much preferred the springy texture with psyllium husks, but it does work with flaxseed meal. The bread will be more dense, and the dough is stickier, but don't panic, it bakes well. Add seasonings to taste.
Red lentils - brown and green lentils will work but soak them for at least 8 hours beforehand
Olive oil - use any neutral flavored oil, or omit entirely
Sesame seeds - substitute with everything bagel seasoning, sunflower seeds, or omit entirely
Dried herbs and spices - add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for more flavor

Serve with my Easy Creamy Mushroom Soup for a hearty and protein-packed meal. Visit my Vegan Breakfast Recipes page for more gluten-free snack ideas.

📖 Instructions

Rinse the lentils: Transfer the red lentils to a medium bowl and add water to cover. Use your hands to rinse them thoroughly. Drain the lentils using a mesh sieve and discard of the cloudy water.

Red lentils soaking in water in a white bowl with a spout.

Step 1. Soak the lentils: Add the lentils to a medium bowl with water to cover by about 2-inches high. Soak them for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight.

Washed red lentils draining in a silver sieve over a white bowl.

Step 2. Drain the lentils and discard the water.

Preheat the oven to 360ºF.

Soaked red lentils, baking soda, salt, and psyllium husk in the canister of a food processor.

Step 3. Transfer the lentils, psyllium husks, oil, water, and baking soda to the canister of a food processor. Then pour the apple cider vinegar directly onto the baking soda. The bubbling reaction between these two ingredients is what allows for the dough to rise, so it is important to move quickly from this point on. Process the ingredients until just combined.

Red lentil dough shaped into a log and sliced into four parts on a gray cutting board with a bench scraper.

Step 4. Remove the lentil dough from the canister and transfer it to a cutting board. Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into two roughly equal parts. Shape both parts in two logs and cut each log into 4 roughly equal parts for a total of 8 pieces. (Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper.)

Four small red lentil dough balls topped with black and white sesame seeds on a black cast iron baking tray.

Step 5. Roll each piece into a ball and transfer them to a large baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. Sprinkle sesame seeds onto each ball, if using.

Seven red lentil gluten-free rolls with black and white sesame seeds on top on a round wooden cutting board.

Step 6. Bake at 360ºF for about 20 minutes on the middle rack, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve these Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Rolls with your favorite spread or nut butter.

💡 Expert Tips

To make lentil bread with flaxseed meal, use 1 cup flaxseed meal, ¼ cup water, and include the oil. The dough will be sticky but don't panic. It works. Bake at 360ºF for about 17 minutes, or until golden brown. Use golden flaxseed meal for a milder flavor. (Soak the lentils for 3 to 4 hours maximum or the dough will be too wet.)
Use all of the soaked lentils to make the bread. The initial amount is 2 cups dried lentils, but this will expand upon soaking. Transfer the whole amount after soaking and draining to the food processor.
Baking soda reacts with apple cider vinegar creating carbon dioxide bubbles that allow the lentil bread to rise. Work quickly to get the bread into the oven once you see this reaction happening. Make sure your baking soda is not expired or they will not rise well.
Use a nonstick baking sheet or line a large sheet with parchment paper.
Storage: Store any remaining Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Do not refrigerate. You can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I make a gluten-free bread loaf instead of dinner rolls?

Yes! Transfer the dough to two parchment-lined standard loaf pans. Or make one-half of the recipe and use one loaf pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

What does psyllium husk do in baking?

Psyllium husks add gut-healthy fiber to baked goods, and also improve their texture by acting as a binding agent. They are often used in gluten-free baking, adding structure and volume to the final product. They are a game changer in gluten-free baking. Use the husks instead of the powder for the best flourless baked goods.

How does lentil bread compare to other gluten-free bread options?

Lentil breads tend to have a more favorable nutritional profile compared to many store-bought gluten-free breads. They are typically higher in protein and fiber due to the lentils, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer, potentially helping with weight management. Lentils are also packed with iron and antioxidants.

Do you have to soak lentils before cooking them?

Lentils to do not require soaking like other pulses. Rinse your lentils with fresh water before boiling to remove any dust or debris. Cook on a stovetop, using 3 cups of liquid (water, or stock) to 1 cup of dry lentils.