Baked Lentils
Hearty baked lentils with vegetables and herbs, topped with cheese, perfect for a nourishing vegetarian meal or comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups lentils ⓘ
- 2 1/2 quarts water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thin sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 8 oz. cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine lentils, water, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Drain the lentils and transfer them to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try sautéing the onions and garlic in the vegetable oil before adding them to the lentils. If you're short on time, canned lentils can be used as a substitute, but reduce the cooking time. For a twist, add diced sweet potatoes or swap out the cheese for a vegan option. This dish also works well with herbs like basil for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked lentils topped with cheese for a hearty main dish. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It also complements vegetarian recipes beautifully, making it a great option for gatherings. Consider serving it alongside Jean'S Delicious Spinach for a nutritious side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to retain moisture and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lentils contains roughly 887 calories, with 40g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and iron (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2612mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can use green, brown, or even black lentils. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. For example, red lentils cook faster and may break down more, giving a creamier texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables for an extra kick. You can also stir in some hot sauce or serve it with a side of spicy salsa for a flavorful twist.
What can I do if I don’t have all the spices listed?
If you're missing some spices, don't worry! You can adjust based on what you have. Italian seasoning can be a great substitute for marjoram, sage, and thyme. Alternatively, a dash of cumin or paprika will add a different yet delightful flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).