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Cheesy Lentil Bake Comfort Food

A square serving of Cheesy Lentil Bake Comfort Food with a golden, crispy, cheesy topping, served on a white plate.
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A hearty, baked casserole featuring lentils, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying comfort food meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
  6. Transfer the lentil mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the lentil mixture.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the vegetable broth with dry white wine before simmering the lentils.
  • You can prepare the lentil base up to the point of transferring it to the baking dish and refrigerate it for up to two days. Add the topping just before baking.
  • Use Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar for a nuttier flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/cheesy-lentil-bake-comfort-food/