Lentil Caviar

If you have champagne wishes and caviar dreams but are living on a beer-and-beans budget, then this lentil caviar is for you. At around $200 to $300 per ounce, high-quality beluga caviar just isn’t in the budget for most people. Luckily, lentil caviar is a convincing imposter that can add a touch of elegance to any occasion without breaking the bank.

This lentil caviar recipe is wonderfully versatile—perfect as a Christmas appetizer or New Year’s Eve snack, or as part of a spread of black-tie Oscars party appetizers—and won’t set you back much more than $15.

What is lentil caviar?

Lentil caviar is a more affordable way to enjoy fancy hors d’oeuvres, and it also happens to be vegetarian. Lentil caviar is made with black lentils, a type of protein- and fiber-rich legume with a color and shape that mimic the appearance of caviar. In fact, they’re so convincing that they’re often packaged and marketed as “beluga” lentils (a nod to beluga caviar).

When marinated in a blend of umami-rich condiments like soy sauce and caper brine, the lentils take on a salty, fish-like flavor that’s similar to real caviar.

Ingredients for Lentil Caviar

• Black lentils: To mimic the appearance of caviar, using black lentils is key. That said, if you can’t find black lentils, you could substitute green or brown lentils. They won’t have quite the same appearance, but they will give you a caviar-like taste and texture.
• Water: Black lentils are most often purchased dried. Most often, you’ll use a 3-1 ratio of water to lentils to perfectly prepare them.
• Soy sauce: Made from soybeans, this Asian condiment has a fermented, umami-rich flavor that replicates the flavor of caviar.
• Worcestershire sauce: For a truly vegan and vegetarian version, source a brand of Worcestershire sauce that is made without anchovies. Even vegan varieties can lend a fishy flavor, making your lentil caviar taste convincingly authentic.
• Caper juice: Caper brine is nice and salty. It infuses the lentil caviar with a flavor that mimics ocean water.
• Red wine vinegar: This type of vinegar adds an extra touch of acidity to help balance the salty and umami flavors in the marinade.
• Spices: A blend of black pepper, garlic and onion powder seasons the lentils without overpowering them.
• Baguette: Our favorite way to serve lentil caviar is as a crostini on a slice of toasted baguette.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil on the baguette slices helps them toast to perfection.
• Garlic: Rub a cut clove of garlic over the toasted bread slices while they are still warm. This technique is also the secret to perfect bruschetta crostinis.
• Whipped cream cheese: A generous smear of whipped cream cheese offers a creamy base to contrast the salty bite of the lentil caviar. Choose a plant-based cream cheese for a vegan option.
• Fresh Chives: Fresh chives are a classic topping for caviar-topped blinis, making this lentil caviar appetizer even more convincing.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the lentils

Cook the lentils according to the package directions. Drain any excess liquid and transfer them to a mixing bowl.

Editor’s Tip: Take care to cook the lentils properly. Mushy, overccoked lentils can lose their shape and texture, which will make the lentil caviar fall flat.

Step 2: Make the marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, caper juice and red wine vinegar. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder and pepper.

Add the dressing to the lentils, and stir to coat them. Cover the bowl, and chill the lentils for at least one hour.

Step 3: Toast the baguette

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange the slices on a sheet pan in a single layer, then drizzle them with olive oil on both sides. Bake the bread slices for 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden brown. Immediately rub the cut side of the garlic over the toasted bread. Let the bread cool.

Step 4: Assemble and serve

When you’re ready to serve the lentil caviar, spread a scant tablespoon of cream cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Top each with a generous scoop of lentil caviar and a pinch of minced chives. Serve them immediately.

Lentil Caviar Variations

• Use a cream cheese alternative: In place of cream cheese, you can substitute an equal amount of Neufchatel cheese, creme fraiche, whipped feta cheese or whipped goat cheese.
• Add more garnishes: Finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, green onions, watercress and microgreens also make wonderful garnishes for lentil caviar.
• Get creative with additional toppings: Add thinly sliced smoked salmon lox (or vegetarian lox), prosciutto or beef tenderloin over the cream cheese before topping it with the lentil caviar and herbs. Thinly sliced portobello mushroom steaks would make a great vegetarian option.
• Make them gluten free: Replace the baguette with a slice of cucumber or a sturdy potato chip. You should also substitute tamari for the soy sauce.

How to Store ​​Lentil Caviar

Lentil caviar should be refrigerated in an airtight food storage container. Extra crostini may be stored at room temperature in a covered container. Assembled lentil caviar crostini should be covered with storage wrap and kept refrigerated.

How long does lentil caviar last?

Lentil caviar is best enjoyed within three to four days. Assembled lentil caviar crostini are best enjoyed within a few hours of assembly; after that, the toasted baguette may become chewy or soggy from the moisture of the cream cheese and lentils.

Can you make lentil caviar in advance?

Yes, for a make-ahead appetizer, you can prepare the lentil caviar up to two days before serving it. Store the individual components separately until ready to assemble. For best results, assemble the lentil caviar crostini no more than an hour or two before serving them.

Lentil Caviar Tips

Can you use canned black lentils?

If you can’t find dried black lentils, use canned beluga lentils instead. Ideally, choose tones that are low in sodium or that have no salt added. Rinse and drain them thoroughly, then combine them with the marinade as directed.

What should you serve with lentil caviar?

Lentil caviar pairs well with other fancy appetizers and elegant entrees. Pair it with a platter of beef tourtieres or crab salad tapas, or with a colorful fruit and cheese board. For a romantic vegetarian meal for two, start with lentil caviar, then follow it with a veggie Nicoise salad and portobello polenta stacks as a main course.

How else can you use lentil caviar?

Feel free to get creative with this lentil caviar. Instead of putting it on crostini, use it as a topping on salads, deviled eggs, baked potatoes, roasted potato slices, latkes, or even pasta in white wine sauce. It’s also a nice garnish for chicken or turkey scallopini, lemon-baked cod, or grilled steak.