Zulandt's Lentil Casserole - A Hearty and Delicious Plant-Based Dish

Zulandt's Lentil Casserole is a simple and nutritious dish made with wholesome ingredients. This plant-based recipe combines the earthiness of lentils with a flavorful mix of vegetables and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying casserole that everyone will love. It's a perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it's also a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour, this recipe is a convenient and delicious choice for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add the red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cooked lentils. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the lentil mixture to a casserole dish.
6. Sprinkle the frozen peas on top of the lentil mixture, then cover the casserole dish with foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

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