Hearty Brown Rice and Lentil Bake
This Hearty Brown Rice and Lentil Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly winter nights. Packed with nutritious lentils and wholesome brown rice, this casserole is a delicious way to warm up. Enhanced with savory spices and topped with melty cheese, it's not only filling but also satisfying. Serve it with crusty dark bread and a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal that will keep you coming back for seconds. Adapted from Amy Dacyczyn's 'The Complete Tightwad Gazette', this dish balances economy with delightful flavor.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 cups (liquid)
lentils
3/4 cup (rinsed)
brown rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
chopped onion
3/4 cup (fresh)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
grated cheese (cheddar or blend)
1 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large baking dish (11 x 7 inches), combine the chicken or vegetable broth, lentils, brown rice, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure it is sealed to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
4
After 70 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the mixture. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
5
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
30
Carbs
10
Protein
7.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Brown Rice and Lentil Bake?
It is a nutritious, comforting casserole made with lentils and brown rice, originally adapted from Amy Dacyczyn's 'The Complete Tightwad Gazette'.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What oven temperature should I use?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) before baking.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use an 11 x 7 inch baking dish.
How much brown rice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked brown rice.
How many lentils are required?
You will need 3/4 cup of rinsed lentils.
What type of broth is recommended?
You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
How much broth is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of broth.
Do I need to add onions?
Yes, include 3/4 cup of chopped fresh onion for flavor.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much cheese is added to the bake?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated cheddar or a cheese blend.
How long is the initial baking time?
The dish bakes covered for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Why must the dish be covered with foil?
The foil must be sealed tightly to trap steam, which is necessary to cook the uncooked rice and lentils.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the cheese after the initial 70 minutes of baking, once you have removed the foil and stirred the mixture.
How long is the final baking step?
Bake the dish uncovered for an additional 20 minutes after adding the cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 10 grams of protein.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, each serving provides 7.5 grams of fiber.
What is the fat content?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It is recommended to serve it with crusty dark bread and a fresh salad.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Do I need to cook the lentils before adding them?
No, the lentils should be uncooked but rinsed before being added to the dish.
Can I use fresh garlic?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, but you could substitute fresh garlic if desired.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is a hearty casserole with a bubbly and golden brown cheese topping.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is adapted from 'The Complete Tightwad Gazette', which focuses on economical meals.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The onion should be chopped fresh.
Should I stir the mixture during baking?
You should stir the mixture once, after the first 70 minutes of baking when you remove the foil.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is best to let the casserole cool slightly before serving.