Description
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian casserole packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and protein-rich lentils. Perfect as a comforting main dish served with rice, mash, or quinoa. Best made a day ahead to enhance the depth of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced (about 200g)
- 2 medium sticks celery, finely sliced (about 120g)
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 2 courgettes, sliced thickly (about 300g)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
Liquids and Stock
- 2 x 400g tins tomatoes or peeled cherry tomatoes
- 250ml vegetable stock (1 Knorr vegetable stock pot used)
Protein
- 250g cooked lentils (ready-to-eat Puy lentils recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the olive or rapeseed oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook gently for 5 to 10 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the sliced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and dried thyme. Cook for a few moments until the spices release their aroma, about 1 minute.
- Add vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, finely sliced celery, red pepper, and yellow pepper. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Add tomatoes and stock: Pour in the tins of tomatoes and the vegetable stock. Add the thickly sliced courgettes and the fresh thyme sprigs. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the casserole: Let the casserole cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Finish with lentils: Remove and discard the fresh thyme sprigs. Stir in the cooked lentils and bring the casserole back to a gentle simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot, accompanied by wild and white basmati rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare this casserole the day before to allow the spices and ingredients to fully develop and meld together.
- Use quality canned tomatoes, such as peeled cherry tomatoes, for a sweeter tomato flavor.
- This dish stores well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference for heat or smokiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Keywords: vegetarian casserole, lentil casserole, vegetable casserole, healthy vegetarian dinner, easy casserole recipe, stovetop casserole
