Red lentil apple pie (no flour or oats crus

This recipe features a unique, flourless, and oat-free crust made from red lentils, with a classic apple pie filling.

Ingredients

For the red lentil crust:

 

    150 grams red lentils, soaked and drained

    3 tbsp ground flaxseeds

    3 tbsp water (or more as needed)

    Pinch of salt (optional)

    Sweetener of choice (e.g., stevia, maple syrup, or date paste)

    Optional additions: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg for flavor

 

For the apple filling:

 

    3-4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced or diced

    1 tbsp lemon juice

    1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

    ½ cup pure maple syrup (or other sweetener)

    1 tsp cinnamon

    ¼ tsp nutmeg

    ¼ tsp ginger (optional)

    Pinch of salt (optional)

 

Instructions

 

    Prepare the lentils: Rinse the lentils and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or longer if desired. Drain and blend them in a food processor with water until you have a smooth purée. Add more water if needed, according to gfJules.

    Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the lentil purée with ground flaxseeds, salt, and sweetener. Mix until you have a dough that's pliable but not sticky. If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more water. If too sticky, add a little more ground flaxseed.

    Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.

    Prepare the filling: While the crust chills, prepare the apple filling. In a large saucepan, combine apples, lemon juice, cornstarch (or arrowroot), maple syrup (or other sweetener), cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the apples are fork-tender and the liquid thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.

 

 

    Form the pie: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

 

Lightly grease a pie dish.

 

Roll out the chilled lentil dough between two sheets of parchment paper, then carefully transfer one sheet to the pie dish, pressing it to form the bottom crust.

 

If desired, reserve some dough to create a lattice top or simple slits for steam release.

 

    Assemble and bake: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust. If using a top crust, carefully place it over the filling and seal the edges. Create slits in the top crust or arrange the lattice, notes The Banana Diaries.

 

    Bake the pie: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, according to The Banana Diaries.

 

    Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy plain, or with a dollop of dairy-free whipped topping or ice cream, says Sweet Potato Soul.

 

Tips and notes

 

    Adjust sweetener quantities according to your preference and the sweetness of the apples you're using.

    For an even healthier twist, consider using a mix of green and red apples for a more complex flavor and texture profile.

    The lentil crust will be more dense than a traditional flour-based crust, but still provides a pleasant texture and holds together well.

    The crust can be brushed with plant-based milk and sprinkled with cinnamon or sugar for a golden-brown finish before baking.

    This recipe can be made vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.