Grain-Free Red Lentil Granola (V, Oil-Free Option)

Grain-free red lentil granola is straightforward, frugal, and satisfying! It is also vegan, gluten-free, high in protein & fiber, & can be made oil-free.

Make Nourishing Grain-Free Granola with Lentils

I love a challenge, especially a recipe challenge. Depending on the complexity of the task (e.g., alternative baking), it is often equal parts logic problem and scientific experiment. In short, exactly what my nerd brain craves.

So when a friend recently asked if I could develop a plain grain-free granola, I was excited to oblige!

What I came up with is a grain-free red lentil granola.

Recipe Benefits

• Vegan(egg-free & dairy-free)
• Grain-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Straightforward
• Frugal
• Low-Sugar(unrefined sugar, too)
• Satisfying(this should be at the top of the list–who wants to eat food that isn’t satisfying?)
• High protein
• High fiber
• Oil-free option

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

• uncookedsplit red lentils, rinsed and drained
• pure maple syrup
• oil (I have an equally plain oil-free option in the recipe card)
• vanilla extract
• cardamom or cinnamon (or spice blend of choice)
• salt
• chopped nuts or seeds, (e.g., pecans, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pepitas)

If you like, you can also stir in some unsweetened flake or shredded coconut (before baking) and/or chopped dried fruit (after baking, any variety)

Key to making the granola edible: munch-able lentils! I boil the red lentils for just a few minutes until barely tender. Red lentils are great because they are much thinner than common brown lentils, which means they cook in a fraction of the time.

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

1. Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. Fill a medium saucepan halfway full of water. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring once or twice, for exactly 6 minutes.
3. Drain thoroughly and pat dry (in the colander) with a paper towel.
4. Spread evenly onto prepared baking sheet.Place the lentils in the oven for 15 minutes to steam and dry.
5. Meanwhile, whisk the maple syrup, oil, vanilla, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl until blended. Add the lentils, stirring to coat.
6. Respray the same baking sheet with cooking spray (or use same parchment liner) and spread evenly with the coated lentils. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
7. Stir in the seeds or nuts. Continue baking for 45 to 50 minutes longer, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until browned and crispy. If using coconut, stir in during final 15 minutes of the cooking time.
8. Cool completely on sheet on a wire rack. Stir in dried fruit, if using.

How Should I Store the Granola?

Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 1 week, the refrigerator for 3 weeks, or the freezer for up to 6 months.

Can I Bake the Granola at a Higher Heat (to Save Time)?

No. It is important to keep the temperature low (300F/150C); if your oven runs hot, turn it even lower. I tried it at 325F on my second batch, to see if I could shave off some cooking time, but the lentils on the outer edges scorched, even with the occasional stir. Low and slow is the way to go to allow the lentils to dry out and become crispy.

How Do I Make the Granola without Oil?

Replace the 3 tablespoons oil with 2 tablespoons of creamy/smooth nut or seed butter and 1 tablespoon boiling water. Mix the nut/see butter with the boiling water before adding the maple syrup and vanilla.

More Nourishing, Satisfying Granolas to Try

• 5-Minute Microwave Mug Granola {nourishing, straightforward, vegan, GF}
• How to Make Low-Calorie Granola {vegan, GF, 72 calories}
• Banana Bread Protein Granola (vegan, GF)
• Oil-Free Buckwheat Granola {vegan, GF, oat-free}
• Grain-Free Banana Granola {oil-free, no added sugar}
• Nourishing Oil-Free Granola {vegan, gluten-free}
• Fresh Apple Pie Granola (vegan, gluten-free)