Esfiha de Lentilha
Esfiha de Lentilha is a delicious Brazilian pastry filled with seasoned lentils, perfect for a midnight snack. This dairy-free dish combines the earthy flavors of lentils with aromatic spices, wrapped in a soft, flaky dough.

60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Brazilian
320 kcal
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour - 200 grams
- warm water - 100 ml
- active dry yeast - 5 grams
- olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- salt - 1 teaspoon
- green lentils - 100 grams
- onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
- black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- chopped parsley - 2 tablespoons
- lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Steps
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- While the dough rises, rinse the lentils under cold water. In a saucepan, cook the lentils in boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until golden brown.
- Add the cooked lentils to the skillet along with cumin, black pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle about 10 cm in diameter.
- Place a tablespoon of lentil filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges over to form a triangle, pinching the corners to seal.
- Place the filled esfihas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Water: 0.25 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein and fiber from lentils, promoting digestive health.
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil, supporting heart health.
Tags
BrazilianDairy-FreeMidnight