Vegetarian Casserole

Story behind the dish

Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with warm aromas of garlic, spices, and roasted vegetables. This vegetarian casserole is a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening. Crafted with fresh ingredients and hearty lentils, it’s a nourishing dish that celebrates the vibrant colors and flavors of vegetables, all simmered together into a delightful, wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 small stalks celery, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 (14 oz) cans chopped tomatoes
• 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) vegetable stock cube (made with 1 cube)
• 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 oz (250 g) lentils, dried or canned

Step-by-step

1. Heat the rapeseed oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried thyme, diced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped red and yellow peppers. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, allowing the spices and vegetables to meld.
3. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, add the vegetable stock, sliced courgettes, and the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Stir in the lentils and continue to simmer until the lentils are tender and the casserole has thickened, about 10 minutes more if using dried lentils, or just heat through if using canned.
5. Serve hot, pairing the casserole with wild and white basmati rice, mash, or quinoa for a complete, satisfying meal.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra richness, drizzle a little olive oil or sprinkle feta cheese over the casserole before serving.
• This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Closing thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a vegetable-rich casserole that brings color and flavor to the table. With its tender vegetables, fragrant spices, and hearty lentils, this dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy every spoonful — this is comfort food at its best!