Baked Lentils – a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish that perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food. With its rich blend of lentils, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger in just under 40 minutes. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, these Baked Lentils are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown lentils
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sultanas
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F). Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or impurities. In a large pot, combine the lentils with water, white wine, and salt.
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Cook Lentils: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the curry powder, ground ginger, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and finely chopped onions to the pot. Allow the lentils to simmer, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes.
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Adjust Consistency: If the lentils become too dry during the cooking process, you can add a splash of water as needed to maintain a moist consistency. Be sure not to add too much water, as you want the final dish to have a thick, hearty texture without excess liquid.
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Incorporate Ingredients: Once the lentils are cooked to perfection, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, raisins, sultanas, peas, and plain yogurt. The addition of these ingredients will impart a delightful sweetness and complexity to the dish, elevating its flavor profile to new heights.
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Transfer to Oven Dish: Carefully transfer the lentil mixture to a large oven-proof dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon. The size of the dish will depend on the quantity of lentils you have prepared, but make sure it is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
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Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This creamy egg mixture will serve as the perfect topping for your baked lentils, adding richness and a golden hue to the finished dish.
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Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the lentils in the oven dish, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a dollop of plain yogurt, if desired. Serve the Baked Lentils hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 423.2
- Fat Content: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 72.2mg
- Sodium Content: 71.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 72.9g
- Fiber Content: 22.8g
- Sugar Content: 18.5g
- Protein Content: 21.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your personal preferences by adjusting the spice level or incorporating additional vegetables or herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
- For a vegan-friendly version of this recipe, simply omit the eggs and use a plant-based milk alternative such as almond or soy milk.
- Experiment with different varieties of lentils, such as green or red lentils, for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of these Baked Lentils, and savor every delicious bite of this comforting and satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a wholesome snack, this recipe is sure to delight your senses and leave you craving for more.
