Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) dried red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 cups (475ml) water
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup (30g) mixed seeds (such as pumpkin, sunflower, flax)

Instructions:

  1. Combine lentils and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until lentils are soft but still hold their shape. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
  3. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Add the yeast mixture, cooked lentils, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough to release the air. Gently knead in the mixed seeds. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  8. Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  10. Remove the loaf from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.