Discover the magic of turning humble dried lentils into a versatile and nutrient-rich ingredient with our Homemade Lentil Flour recipe. This easy-to-make flour adds a burst of plant-based protein and a delightful earthy flavor to your dishes. Whether you’re exploring gluten-free cooking or looking to enhance your culinary creations, homemade lentil flour is a game-changer.

Ingredients:

• Dried lentils (red or green)

Optional Spices:

• Ground cumin
• Ground turmeric
• Ground coriander
• Paprika (for a hint of heat)
• Ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Choose and Sort Lentils:

• Begin by selecting your choice of dried lentils—red or green work well for making lentil flour.

2. Preparing the Lentils (Optional):

• If desired, spread the rinsed lentils on a clean, dry kitchen towel or paper towels. Allow them to air dry for a couple of hours. This step is optional and can help prevent moisture for optimal grinding.

3. Grinding the Lentils:

• Once the lentils are ready, transfer them to a high-speed blender or a food processor. Depending on the quantity, you may need to grind them in batches to ensure an even consistency.

4. Grinding Options:

• You have the option to create two types of lentil flour:
  • Fine Lentil Flour: Blend the lentils on high until you achieve a fine powder. This type of flour works well for baking recipes and as a thickener in sauces.
  • Coarse Lentil Flour: For a more textured flour, pulse the lentils a few times in the blender. This type of flour is excellent for adding a slightly chunky texture to recipes.

5. Add Optional Spices:

• If desired, enhance your lentil flour with spices. Ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, paprika, and even a touch of ground cinnamon can infuse your flour with enticing flavors.

6. Sifting (Optional):

• For a smoother texture, you can sift the ground lentil flour through a fine mesh sieve. This step removes any larger pieces, leaving you with a finer flour.

7. Storing Lentil Flour:

• Transfer the homemade lentil flour to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Use within a few months for the best flavor and quality.

8. Using Lentil Flour:

• Incorporate your homemade lentil flour into various recipes, such as pancakes, flatbreads, soups, stews, and more. Experiment with its unique flavor and nutritional benefits to enhance your culinary creations.

Note: Sometimes, I use my old coffee grinder to grind the lentils into flour, processing them for about 45 seconds until the flour is fine. Then, I pass the flour through a sifter to catch any large bits and grind the remaining portion until it reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion: With Homemade Lentil Flour, you’ve unlocked a world of culinary possibilities that add a nutritious and flavorful twist to your dishes. Embrace the simplicity and creativity of making your own flour, and relish in the wholesome goodness lentils bring to your table.