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Red Lentil Casserole

Cozy Red Lentil Casserole for a Quick Dinner Delight

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: a Vegetarian Red Lentil Casserole that's simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice or long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup Red Lentils use red or orange for best results
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil e.g., canola or olive oil
  • 3 cups Vegetable Broth or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option
For the Flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala substitute with more curry powder if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin try coriander for a twist
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander can be omitted
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger fresh gives vibrant flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon can be replaced with nutmeg
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Diced Sweet Potato or diced carrots/butternut squash
  • 1 cup Chopped Orange Bell Pepper other sweet peppers work too
For Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Raw Unsalted Cashews optional; substitute with pumpkin seeds for nut-free
  • to taste Chopped Cilantro or parsley
  • to taste Lime Wedges for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust as per dietary needs

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • medium pot
  • colander

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice and 1 cup of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
  3. In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium heat. Add curry powder, garam masala, ground cumin, and ground coriander, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds.
  4. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 3 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, lentils, diced sweet potato, and chopped orange bell pepper. Mix evenly.
  6. Pour the simmering liquid over the rice and lentil mixture, stirring to combine. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness, and if needed, return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  8. Once cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle cashews on top if desired. Return to the oven uncovered for an extra 5 minutes.
  9. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Customize the veggies based on what's in season and enjoy the process of filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.

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