Description
A nutritious and hearty Green Lentil and Vegetable Casserole that is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
- 0.5 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
- Sauté aromatics: While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Finish vegetable mixture: Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer cooked lentils and sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Rest before serving: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables based on availability.
- This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Consider making it a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 10mg