Lentils Monastery Casserole
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
🥘 Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the divine flavors of this Lentils Monastery Casserole recipe, crafted with love and expertise. Perfect for weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish promises a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 1 can tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 5 cups water
- 2 tbsp sherry wine
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with a light coating of oil or cooking spray.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and carrot to the skillet and sauté until they begin to soften, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
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Add Herbs: Sprinkle in the dried thyme and marjoram, stirring well to incorporate the fragrant herbs into the mixture. Continue to sauté for another few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes, along with their juices, to the skillet. Season with salt and add the dried parsley. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.
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Introduce Lentils: Add the lentils to the skillet, followed by the 5 cups of water. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the lentil mixture simmer gently for approximately 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Prepare Cream Sauce: While the lentils are simmering, prepare the cream sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
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Add Milk and Sherry: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth and thickened, add the sherry wine for an extra depth of flavor. Stir well to combine.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the lentils are tender and the liquid has reduced, sprinkle bread crumbs over the lentil mixture. Pour the prepared cream sauce over the top, stirring gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Carefully transfer the lentil mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with deliciousness.
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Serve: Once the Lentils Monastery Casserole is beautifully baked and fragrant, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful dish!
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 214.8
- Fat: 7.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 5.7mg
- Sodium: 705.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.6g
- Fiber: 6.2g
- Sugar: 8.1g
- Protein: 7.9g
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this Lentils Monastery Casserole, a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious creation!
