Protein-rich green lentils baked with seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a golden cheese topping.
# What You Need:
→ Lentils
01 - 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups vegetable broth
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
→ Herbs & Seasonings
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
→ Topping
17 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
18 - 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs optional
# How To Make It:
01 - Set oven to 375°F and allow to reach temperature.
02 - 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.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
06 - Transfer cooked lentils and sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly to combine.
07 - Transfer mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
09 - Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
