Have You Made A Lentil Casserole Before?

By
Andrea Z
-
Lentils
Image by Cindy from Pixabay

This delectable lentil casserole recipe is bursting with wholesome ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will warm your soul and nourish your body. Here’s a recipe to make it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 2 cups of cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Spread half of the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the lentil and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, lentil mixture, and cheese.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Enjoy!