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Christy Brissette, MS, RD, media registered dietitian, NUTRITION AND FOOD COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT

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Crunchy Popped Lentils – the Perfect Salad Topper!

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Looking to take your lentils to the next level? Bet you didn’t know you could pop them! This recipe is a super easy way to make one of the healthiest foods out there taste even better. Make these Crunchy Popped Lentils on the stovetop as part of your meal prep routine and you’ll always have a plant-based protein to add to your meals and snacks.

Crunchy Popped Lentils on the stovetop - gluten-free, vegan, healthy snack - recipe by Christy Brissette media registered dietitian nutritionist and president of 80 Twenty Nutrition in Toronto and California

That’s what I love about these crunchy popped lentils – they’re super versatile. They make a great protein and fiber-packed snack on their own or in a trail mix or snack mix. My favorite way to eat them is as a crispy crunchy salad topper.

Crunchy Popped Lentils on the stovetop - gluten-free, vegan, healthy snack - recipe by Christy Brissette media registered dietitian nutritionist and president of 80 Twenty Nutrition in Toronto and California

The best flavor and texture combination I’ve discovered so far is topping my Vegan Shawarma Salad Plate with these popped lentils. You gotta try it!

Crunchy Popped Lentils on the stovetop - gluten-free, vegan, healthy snack - recipe by Christy Brissette media registered dietitian nutritionist and president of 80 Twenty Nutrition in Toronto and California

Health Benefits of Lentils

  • Diets high in lentils and other fiber-rich foods are linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer and are recommended for cancer survivors. Lentils are very high in fibre, with a ¾ cup serving providing 12 grams of fiber. That’s half the daily amount for women and a third of the daily amount for men.
  • Lentils are an excellent source of a B vitamin called folate. Folate helps form red blood cells and is plays a key role in healthy nerve function. It may also lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
  • Manganese is another nutrient that lentils are rich in. This mineral that helps your body absorb calcium and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Manganese is part of an antioxidant complex called superoxide dismutase (SOD). This compound protects healthy cells from free radical damage, helping prevent heart disease and cancer.

Crunchy Popped Lentils

You won’t believe how addictive these crispy lentils are! Give them a try and you won’t want your lentils any other way!

Crunchy Popped Lentils on the stovetop - gluten-free, vegan, healthy snack - recipe by Christy Brissette media registered dietitian nutritionist and president of 80 Twenty Nutrition in Toronto and California

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Crunchy Popped Lentils
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Votes: 16
Rating: 4.31
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These crispy crunchy popped lentils are the perfect protein and fiber-packed snack! They're a fantastic topping for salads and make an unexpected addition to trail mix.
  • CourseAppetizer, Dinner, Lots of Leftovers, Lunch, Main, Main Dish, Potluck, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian
  • CuisineIndian, Meal Prep, Middle Eastern, South Asian
Servings
4
Cook Time Passive Time
20 minutes 15 minutes
Servings
4
Cook Time Passive Time
20 minutes 15 minutes
Crunchy Popped Lentils
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Votes: 16
Rating: 4.31
You:
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Add to Meal Plan:
This recipe has been added to your Meal Plan
These crispy crunchy popped lentils are the perfect protein and fiber-packed snack! They're a fantastic topping for salads and make an unexpected addition to trail mix.
  • CourseAppetizer, Dinner, Lots of Leftovers, Lunch, Main, Main Dish, Potluck, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian
  • CuisineIndian, Meal Prep, Middle Eastern, South Asian
Servings
4
Cook Time Passive Time
20 minutes 15 minutes
Servings
4
Cook Time Passive Time
20 minutes 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Rinse the lentils in a colander. Add them to a medium pot with 3 cups of water. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until soft.
  2. Drain the lentils in your colander and rinse with cold water.
  3. Heat half of the avocado oil over high heat in a large frying pan. Add 1 cup of the lentils and spread them across the pan so they don't overlap. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
  4. Stir the lentils frequently until they become crispy and golden brown. Put them on a plate to cool. Add the rest of the oil to the pan and "pop" the rest of the lentils, 1 cup at a time.
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Christy Brissette writing best registered dietitian nutritionist and food expert on Washington Post, Huffington Post

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Christy Brissette, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and nutrition and food communications expert.

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Get my free healthy dessert recipe ebook!Top 5 Healthy Desserts - Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, No Refined Sugar - free recipe ebook from media registered dietitian nutritionist Christy Brissette from 80 Twenty Nutrition in Chicago

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