Grandma’s quick and delicious lentil bread!

That sounds like a wonderful, comforting recipe! Here’s a version of Grandma’s quick and delicious lentil bread, combining traditional elements with easy preparation:

Grandma’s Quick Lentil Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, or any cheese you like)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils:
   • Cook lentils until tender but not mushy. Drain well. You can use canned lentils, just rinse them well.
2. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
4. Sauté Aromatics (Optional):
   • If using onion and garlic, sauté them in a little olive oil until softened.
   • Add them to the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooked lentils, grated cheese, olive oil or melted butter, eggs, and milk or buttermilk.
6. Combine Wet and Dry:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
   • Do not overmix.
7. Add Herbs:
   • Stir in the chopped fresh herbs.
8. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
   • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool:
   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add grated carrots, zucchini, or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.
• Herb Variations: Use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and oats.
• Lentil type: Red lentils will become very soft, and the bread will have a different texture. Green or brown lentils hold their shape well.

Enjoy your Grandma’s quick and delicious lentil bread!