Crispy Lentil Gnocchi with Lemon-Herb Oil & Garlic Crumbs

Cost: ~$9.90 | Serves: 3–4

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups red or brown lentils (dry) – $1.20

• 1 egg – $0.30

• ½ cup flour – $0.20

• 1 lemon – $0.60

• 3 cloves garlic – $0.30

• ¼ cup oil – $0.40

• 2 slices stale bread or toast – $0.30

• Small bunch parsley or green herbs – $1.00

• Salt, pepper, optional chili flakes – pantry

• Optional: Parmesan (budget-friendly block or grated) – $1.50

Instructions:

1. Cook lentils until soft. Drain well and mash with a fork.

2. Add flour, egg, salt, pepper, and form a rough dough. Roll into ropes, cut into gnocchi shapes.

3. Pan-fry gnocchi in a little oil until golden and crispy on all sides.

4. Blitz stale bread into crumbs and toast with garlic in a pan until fragrant and crunchy.

5. Mix oil with lemon juice, zest, chopped herbs, salt, and a pinch of chili flakes.

6. Toss crispy gnocchi with lemon-herb oil and garlic crumbs. Finish with Parmesan if using.