Savory Herbed Lentils and Brown Rice Bake
This Savory Herbed Lentils and Brown Rice Bake is a hearty and nutritious dish inspired by 'The Bean Cookbook' by Norma S. Upson. This recipe combines protein-rich lentils with wholesome brown rice, all enhanced with aromatic herbs and a hint of white wine for added depth of flavor. Ideal as a comforting main course or a satisfying side dish, it can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth. Top it off with melted Swiss cheese to create a delightful dish that your whole family will love. Feel free to double the herbs for an even more robust flavor, and enjoy experimenting with different cheese varieties to suit your palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth
2 2/3 cups (None)
Lentils
3/4 cup (Rinsed)
Onion
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Brown Rice
1/2 cup (None)
Dry White Wine
1/4 cup (None)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic
1/8-1/4 teaspoon or 1-2 cloves (If using garlic, mince finely.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Swiss Cheese (shredded)
2 ounces (Shredded)
Swiss Cheese (strips for topping)
2 ounces (Cut into strips)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable or chicken broth, lentils, chopped onion, brown rice, and dry white wine.
3
Add in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
4
Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, ensuring an even layer.
5
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring twice during the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
6
After 1 1/2 hours, check if the lentils and rice are soft and fully cooked. If they are, remove the cover and gently toss the mixture.
7
Top the dish with shredded Swiss cheese, followed by the cheese strips.
8
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Herbed Lentils and Brown Rice Bake?
It is a hearty and nutritious casserole that combines protein-rich lentils with wholesome brown rice, aromatic herbs, and a hint of white wine, topped with melted Swiss cheese.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by 'The Bean Cookbook' by Norma S. Upson.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it can easily be made vegetarian by opting for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of rice is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown rice.
Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?
While the recipe specifies brown rice for its texture and nutrition, white rice can be used, though it will cook significantly faster than brown rice.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, the lentils only need to be rinsed before being combined with the other ingredients in the mixing bowl.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use 2 2/3 cups of either vegetable broth or chicken broth depending on your dietary preference.
What size casserole dish is needed?
An ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bake take to cook?
The initial baking time is approximately 1 1/2 hours, followed by an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Should I stir the mixture during baking?
Yes, you should stir the mixture twice during the cooking time to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Why is dry white wine included in the ingredients?
The wine is added to provide an extra depth of flavor and a touch of acidity to the dish.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can skip the white wine or replace it with an equal amount of additional broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The herb blend consists of dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Can I use more herbs than the recipe suggests?
Yes, the description suggests doubling the herbs if you desire a more robust and aromatic flavor.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can use 1-2 cloves of finely minced garlic as a substitute for garlic powder.
How much Swiss cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese for the mixture and another 2 ounces of cheese strips for the topping.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely; feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your personal taste.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, the dish should be covered with a lid or aluminum foil during the first 1 1/2 hours of baking.
When do I add the cheese topping?
Add the shredded cheese and cheese strips once the lentils and rice are soft and fully cooked, then return it to the oven uncovered for 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients like rice and lentils are naturally gluten-free; ensure your broth and spices are certified gluten-free to maintain this.
Is this intended as a main dish or a side dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as a comforting main course or a satisfying side dish.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this savory bake.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish before adding the mixture?
No, the recipe instructions specify using an ungreased casserole dish.
How should the onion be prepared?
The 3/4 cup of onion should be chopped before being mixed with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegetable broth and replace the Swiss cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features soft grains and legumes in a savory broth, topped with melted, bubbly cheese.
Can I add extra vegetables to this bake?
Yes, adding finely chopped carrots or celery would be a great way to increase the nutritional value.
What is the best way to serve this recipe?
It is best served hot immediately after the cheese has melted.
What seasonings are used besides herbs?
In addition to the herbs, the dish is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.