Baked Zucchini and Lentil Bake with Cheese

This Baked Zucchini and Lentil Bake with Cheese is a comforting, wholesome dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils and fresh zucchini, baked to perfection with a gooey cheese topping. It's a delightful and nutritious meal that offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium (approximately 300g)
• Cooked green lentils - 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Onion - 1 small (approximately 100g), diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Egg - 1 large
• Grated mozzarella cheese - 1 cup (approximately 100g)
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup (approximately 25g)
• Panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup (approximately 30g)
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to create a boat shape; chop the scooped flesh and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped zucchini flesh, cooked lentils, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the egg and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
6. Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish and fill them with the lentil and zucchini mixture.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed zucchini.
8. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, which supports digestive health.
• Packed with plant-based protein from lentils, promoting muscle health.

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