Description
This Vegetarian Lentil Casserole is a cozy, nutritious dish combining hearty brown lentils, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and plant-based cheese. Perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings, it offers a warm and satisfying plant-based comfort food packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils and Vegetables: Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly. Optionally soak briefly to soften. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to create a fresh vegetable base for the casserole.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery; cook for about 8 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic during the last minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh thyme, bay leaf, and apple cider vinegar (natural) to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but intact.
- Incorporate Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the mixture according to package instructions. Stir well to fully integrate and allow the casserole to set properly while simmering further, avoiding clumps.
- Add Spinach and Plant-Based Cheese: When lentils are nearly cooked, fold in the fresh spinach leaves until wilted. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the plant-based cheese on top for a creamy, golden crust upon baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and gently browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving for neat slices.
Notes
- Choose brown lentils as they hold their shape and absorb flavors well.
- Fresh thyme and bay leaf greatly enhance the aroma.
- Simmer gently to prevent lentils from becoming mushy.
- Sautéing aromatics first adds richness to the dish.
- The plant-based cheese topping creates a satisfying creamy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian, lentil casserole, plant-based, gluten-free, comfort food, healthy dinner
