Protein Granola Bars (Vegan and Gluten Free)

I find people often ask me for a recipe to use for the whole family that they can take with them, contains protein (instead of buying a protein bar) and tastes good. This recipe seems to cover it all. I love that this is another way to use lentils. 

This recipe is adapted from: 
http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/sarah-remmer-the-non-diet-dietitian/20150115/sweet-and-salty-chocolate-chip-lentil-granola-bars



1 cup           Split red lentils, rinsed
2 cups         Water
31/4 cups   Rolled oats
3/4 cup       Gluten Free All purpose flour (Cloud 9 works well. If you are not gluten free try whole wheat or spelt flour)
1/4 cup       Ground flax seeds
1/4 cup       Unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup       Walnuts
1/2 cup       Almonds and Cashews, chopped
1/4 cup       Hemp seeds
2/3 cup       Peanut butter (no added salt, sugar, oil)
1/2 cup       Honey
1/4 cup       Maple Syrup
2 tsp           Vanilla
2 tsp           Cinnamon
3/4 tsp        salt
1 cup           Carob or chocolate chips (if you want the whole bar to be chocolately, add to warm lentils and it will melt                        chocolate or carob. You could also try adding in dried fruit instead of, or in addition to the carob or 
                     chocolate.

1. Put water and lentils in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350F
3. Stir to combine oats, flour, flax, coconut, walnuts, almonds, cashews, hemp seeds, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.
4. In another bowl combine lentils, peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. 
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well. Add carob or chocolate chips. 
6. Transfer to greased (I used coconut oil) 9" x 13 " casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on         top. 


Looking for more ideas to eat on the go? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com 

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