Leftover lentils from last night’s dinner often don’t seem appetizing in the morning. However, with a bit of creativity, you can turn them into a delightful breakfast that everyone in your household will love. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a nutritious and tasty breakfast using leftover lentils.
- 1 cup leftover lentils
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup finely chopped coriander
- 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (suji)
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- Sliced beetroot for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lentil Mixture
Blend Lentils and Gram Flour:
- Place the leftover lentils in a mixer jar.
- Add 1 cup of gram flour.
- Add 1 cup of water.
- Blend until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Add Spices and Herbs
Season the Mixture:
- Pour 1 tsp of sodium chloride.
- Pour 1 tsp of red pepper flakes.
- Pour ½ tsp of curcumin into the blend.
- Stir thoroughly to amalgamate.
Incorporate Herbs:
- Add 1 cup of finely chopped coriander.
- Optionally, add some chopped mint for extra flavor.
3. Add Vegetables
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely dice 2 carrots and a handful of bell pepper.
Mix Vegetables into the Batter:
- Combine the diced vegetables with the lentil concoction.
- Add 2 tablespoons of durum wheat.
- Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
4. Cooking the Lentil Pancake
Heat the Pan:
- Grease a pan with ghee or oil and heat it over medium flame.
Cook the Pancake:
- Pour a ladleful of the lentil mixture into the pan.
- Spread it evenly to form a pancake.
- Place a few slices of beetroot on top for garnish.
Cover and Cook:
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Check if the bottom is cooked and golden brown.
Serve:
- Transfer the cooked pancake to a plate.
- Serve with a dollop of butter on top.
5. Alternative Breakfast Option, Lentil Bread Toast
Prepare the Bread:
- Heat a skillet.
- Lubricate it with clarified butter or oil.
- Immerse pieces of bread into the pulse mixture.
- Cover both surfaces of the bread.
Cook the Toast:
- Put the covered bread pieces on the skillet.
- Cook until both sides are a deep golden color.
Add Vegetables:
- Top the bread with finely chopped onions.
- Add bell peppers.
- Add beetroot slices.
- Press the toppings lightly into the bread.
Finish and Serve:
- Cook the ingredients until the vegetables are somewhat soft.
- Serve warm with your preferred relish or sauce.
Comparison Table
| Ingredients | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover Lentils | 1 cup | Main ingredient for the batter |
| Gram Flour | 1 cup | Provides structure to the batter |
| Water | 1 cup | Helps blend the ingredients |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Red Chili Flakes | 1 teaspoon | Adds spiciness |
| Turmeric | ½ teaspoon | Adds color and flavor |
| Coriander | 1 cup | Adds freshness |
| Vegetables | 1 cup | Adds texture and nutrition |
| Semolina | 2 tablespoons | Adds crispiness |
| Ghee or Oil | 1 tablespoon | For cooking |
| Beetroot Slices | As needed | Garnish and adds color |
| Bread Slices | As needed | For the alternative toast option |
Tips for Best Results
Roasting Semolina:
- Ensure to lightly roast the semolina before adding it to the batter for a better texture.
Consistent Heat:
- Maintain a medium flame to cook the pancake evenly without burning.
Toppings Variety:
- Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to vary the flavors.
Conclusion
Transforming leftover lentils into a delicious and nutritious breakfast is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy a hearty meal. Whether you prefer the lentil pancake or the lentil bread toast, these recipes are sure to become household favorites. Enjoy your breakfast with a side of chutney or a refreshing yogurt dip!
FAQs
Q1: What can I do with leftover lentils?
A: Transform them into a delicious breakfast like lentil pancakes or lentil bread toast.
Q2: What ingredients do I need for lentil pancakes?
A: Leftover lentils, gram flour, water, salt, red chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, chopped vegetables, semolina, and ghee or oil.
Q3: How do I make the lentil mixture?
A: Blend leftover lentils, gram flour, and water until smooth.
Q4: How do I cook the lentil pancake?
A: Pour the mixture into a greased pan, add beetroot slices, cover, and cook until golden brown.
Q5: How do I make lentil bread toast?
A: Dip bread slices in the lentil mixture, cook on a greased pan, add vegetables, and cook until golden brown.
Q6: Can I add different vegetables to the recipe?
A: Yes, you can experiment with various vegetables and herbs for different flavors.
Q7: What can I serve with these recipes?
A: Serve with chutney, yogurt dip, or a dollop of butter.
Meet Misha Mehboob, a passionate food enthusiast and computer science student from Sargodha University. Misha’s culinary journey is fueled by her love for exploring new flavors and experimenting in the kitchen.
At CrispyEatHub, Misha shares her creative recipes and practical cooking tips to inspire fellow food lovers on their culinary adventures. From quick weeknight dinners to indulgent desserts, there’s something delicious for every palate.
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