This sweet and crunchy red lentil granola is a modern, grain-free take on the classic oat-based recipe. It's also higher in protein, thanks to ingredients like pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

When I was a kid, I used to eat a bowl of cold cereal every night!
Some of my favorites were Raisin Bran, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, and Just Right.
I could often be found siphoning out the dried fruit from any box that contained it, and I always added extra raisins to the cereals that didn't.
My goal for this recipe was to use red lentils in place of oats. I wanted to employ something that was relatively high in protein, so that it would make a more suitable breakfast or snack.
The crunch from the lentils reminds me a bit of Grape Nuts, only better!
If you really want to enjoy it Oatmeal-with-a-Fork-style, be sure to throw some raisins in that bad boy!
Ingredients and substitutions
Red lentils - These lentils, in particular, are smaller and softer than green or brown, and can't be substituted. I buy them in bulk at Sprouts.
Pumpkin seeds - I love pumpkin seeds, but they could be substituted for sunflower seeds or even a nut you enjoy/tolerate.
Sesame seeds - You could leave these out, if you like, or substitute something like chia seeds instead.
Maple syrup - This is my preferred sweetener for most granola recipes, as it mixes well.
Oil - I've used olive, coconut, and walnut oils, all with good success!
Vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt - These are all for flavor. I love cinnamon and vanilla in just about everything, but they can be left out too.
Recipe steps and tips
The first step is to briefly boil the lentils. This softens them and makes them a bit larger and easier to chew when made into granola.
Drain and cool the lentils. If you find they're still dripping with water, you can pat them dry a bit with a paper towel. They can be a little damp upon mixing.
Mix the remaining ingredients with the lentils, then spread the mixture onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 45-60 minutes or until golden.
The perimeter of the pan will become golden faster than the middle, so stir the mixture a few times throughout the baking process.
What does lentil granola taste like?
It's deliciously crunchy!
If you're an 80s kid, think Grape Nuts.
It goes great atop yogurt or even in a bowl with some cold milk. There is a hint of lentil taste, but when combined with the maple syrup, it translates well, and it's a delicious grain-free alternative.
Looking for more red lentil recipes?
I love red lentils and have used them frequently in unconventional ways.
Some of my favorite recipes include this Red Lentil Pizza Crust (a favorite!) and this delicious flatbread.
Red Lentil Granola
Ingredients
- ยพ cup red lentils
- ยผ cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 teaspoons oil olive, coconut, or walnut are all good choices
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ยผ teaspoon + 1/8 t. sea salt
- ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
- Add the lentils into a saucepan and cover them with water.
- Bring the mix to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let the lentils cook for five minutes.
- Drain the lentils and let them cool a bit.
- Pat them dry a bit with a paper towel, if need be. They should be fairly dry when you begin mixing.
- In a bowl, mix the lentils with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the mix onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, and let them bake for 45-60 minutes (stir the mix 2-3 times during the process).
- Cool and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
You and I had the exact same cereal habits as a kid as well as the same favourites! Oh Just Right, how I miss you! This looks like a great replacement, must try red lentils in granola!
Lauren
Lol! I didn't think anyone else had been a fan of Just Right, so that is seriously cracking me up right now! ๐
Audrey
I used to love Just Right, too!
Vicky
Hi
I love this recipe and it's very similar to one I made with brown lentils Brown lentils have a lovely nutty taste, you may like to try them sometime when you make this again! I don't know why the recipe didn't hit my blog - I think it's still in drafts!!
Davida @The Healthy Maven
love the idea of making granola with lentils! You come up with some of the most creative recipes ๐ Have a great weekend!
Lauren
Thanks girl! I hope you have a lovely weekend as well! ๐
Amanda
Now this I have to try! I would never have thought to try lentils in granola!
Sheelagh
Lentils in granola!? Brilliant! I can't wait to try this!
Jane
I just made this. Didn't have coconut oil, so used the same amount of.....unsweetened applesauce. Oh my, this is ADDICTIVE. LOVE IT, thank you soooo much. Using red lentils (one of my favorite foods) is absolute brilliance!!! THANK YOU
Lauren
Haha! Thank you for trying it Jane! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! ๐
Jane
Um, I was right. My daughter really wanted to try it, but, several hours later, there isn't much here! It tastes great sprinkled over steel cut oats, by itself, with fruit.....I did cook it a bit longer, but it did get nice and crunchy.....even went to the grocery to buy more red lentils so I can make more tomorrow (afraid to make it tonight for fear I will eat it all again)
Susan
This granola sounds very intriguing. It would make a great breakfast with a bowl of Greek yogurt (for me, the non-vegan), and perhaps some blueberries.
The only foods I remember really liking as a child were the raisins and semi-sweet chocolate my mother kept for herself. I managed to sneak those things for years, apparently without her figuring it out - amazing since she kept such a tight watch on everything we did. Can't deal with raisins much anymore because they are so full of sugar, but chocolate is an important part of my diet now.
Honey
Wow, lentils in granola, I've never seen that idea before!
Sharon
What! Lentil granola? How is it I missed this ๐ Awesome idea. Can't wait to try it!
Lauren
Haha, thanks Sharon! ๐
Peggy
I love, love, love granola, but haven't had it since I cut out most grains. This may just be the answer to my craving.
Lauren
Me too Peggy! This is a great option, especially if you were ever a fan of Grape Nuts, as it's got a nice crunch to it! ๐
Sammi
I heart lentils! lol Can I be honest??? I try to not have granola in the house. Why you ask? My lack of self-control around it! So embarrassing to admit that!! However, this looks like something I would love and still be able to maintain some portion control ๐ I can't wait to make it! Your recipes are always the best, Lauren!
Lauren
Lol, I know what you mean Sammi, I'm the same way with granola! ๐
Pongodhall
Oh this one...this one is the bees knees!
Since I've been on a determined search for granola rather than a bowl of sugar I am shocked how little there is on offer.
This one is your best one ...definitely.
Josie E
Will this recipe work with sprouted lentils?
Lauren
Are they uncooked red lentils? This only works with red lentils, but I've not seen or tried them sprouted, so I can't say.