raw recipe: lentil crisps and dip
I USED TO have severe carb cravings. I would open a bag of whole grain “healthy” chips and before I knew it, the bag was empty. I would be stuffed and feel terrible, and it was usually just before bedtime. Somehow I never saw it coming. The connection between the brain and the stomach is, well, not very trustworthy at times.
Since I’ve changed my diet to mostly living, raw foods and very few grain products, I don’t have those cravings. In fact, it’s not very often that I desire anything dry or salty. I mostly want moisture-rich foods like smoothies and fresh, crispy salads, and I’m really satisfied with what I eat.
BUT….lately I’ve had a hankering for something crunchy and munchy. So, as always I checked my supply: counters, cupboards, fridge. Aha! On the counter in plain sight, here is what I found:
Lentils. Lentils? They’re not very crunchy-munchy. But I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of the humble lentil.
I had soaked and sprouted my lentils so they were in their most digestible state, and so they were live and could be eaten raw. It’s amazing what happens when seeds (including grains and legumes) are sprouted. The nutrients increase to a super high degree – in fact, they contain all of the nutrients that will be contained in the whole plant they will develop into. Imagine eating the nutrients in 20 bunches of broccoli – and that’s if you eat only 20 tiny broccoli sprouts!
Sprouted lentils have a strong, almost spicy taste, so I decided to add a few ingredients to make them a little milder. I blended the sprouts along with some raw veggies, seeds, lemon juice and spices. A bit of experimentation yielded a pretty good tasting dip, but of course, I wanted some crunch, so I poured rounds onto my dehydrator trays and let them dry for about 14 hours.
My crisps were ready and waiting when I got up yesterday morning. Behold the crunch!
I couldn’t wait to try them, so I had them for breakfast. Since I saved some of the dip, I spread it on 3 of the crisps and topped them with fresh tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and a few strips of julienned red pepper. Dee-licious. A perfect combo of crispy-crunchy-munchy and juicy textures. It was completely satisfying and I wasn’t hungry at all until 1:30, when we ate lunch.
Today I might try some guacamole on the crisps, since I ate all the dip. I can tell it’s going to be a crunchy-munchy week.
I’ve been wanting to get a dehydrator for a long time now…what kind do you use? I am ALWAYS craving something crunchy-munchy and we love lentils around here. Seriously Mia, you’re posting the best recipes 🙂
Hey Jodi!
I’m glad you like the recipe posts – actually I’m glad not everyone thinks I’m crazy for the way I eat!
Dehydrators…if I had my pick, I would get the Tribest Sedona. It’s the top of the line, and Excalibur is a close second. I actually have one that’s about at the bottom of the line – a Nesco American Harvest that I got for $1 at a garage sale. The main problem is that it doesn’t have a thermostat, so I feel that it’s not very likely my food is REALLY raw. It also doesn’t heat evenly, so I’m always moving the trays around. I used to have a Nesco American Harvest with a thermostat which was much better (I gave it up when we moved), so if you can get one of those, that would probably be a good place to start without shelling out the big bucks. Let me know if you get one!
Hi! I just got a dehydrator and I’ve been dehydrating everything in sight! So fun! But I’ve been trying to make lentil chips for a while and they always come out crumbly and cracked. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Crissa
Hi Crissa,
I’m not sure, but maybe you’re adding a little too much liquid? I would try making the mixture a bit thicker. Let me know how it goes!
Hi! Just found your site, and I’m on the hunt for some recipes. I just bought the tribest Sedona dehydrator… So stoked about it. I would love to try the lentil crisps, but I must be missing something, because I don’t see the recipe in your post. I’m adding you to my bookmarks, this blog looks awesome!
I’m new to raw recipes… Can you give me some details for the lentil crisps? I’d love to try it out. Oh, and I just ordered a vitamix… What are your thoughts on those? I can’t believe I spent that kind of money on a blender, so I’m hoping it lives up to the reputation.
Hi Lisa,
Both the Sedona and the Vitamix are well worth your money! I use my Vitamix every day, usually 2 or 3 times a day. I don’t really have a recipe for the lentil crisps–I just threw some ingredients together–I think they would come out fine if you just experimented. I probably threw in carrots, garlic, sesame seeds, lemon juice, and who knows what else.
Although I think raw foods are a very healthy addition to a diet, I no longer eat all raw. I experienced some negative effects (beyond detox) that took me over a year to recover from. I now eat a more Paleo type of diet, which I would recommend much more than an all raw diet.
Thanks for your questions, and I wish you the best of health!
Have you experimented any more with lentil chips since this adventure? I’m supposed to be on a very low grain diet (2 servings a day) and would like to make a chip or cracker with lentils or beans as the base. I am just getting started experimenting with my dehydrator so I’m a little nervous about winging it. Would you be willing to post a more specific recipe (ratio of sprouted lentils to fresh veggies, lemon juice, etc.)? Thanks for sharing!
Hi Hanya,
I think you’ll be fine if you just experiment a little. Just try not to have too runny of a consistency, or your crisps may come out too thin and crack. Think of hummus, only with lentils instead of chickpeas, and that will be about right.
I’m excited to try this, but i’ve never soaked or sprouted anything, how long should you soak lentils, and do you have to drain or rinse them before blending? Thanks for your post!
Hi Dana,
Soak in cool water overnight, then drain and rinse. I keep them in a colander and rinse about 3 times a day until the sprouts are as long as you like–just 2 or 3 days should be fine.