Moroccan Lentil Bake

Moroccan Lentil Bake is a hearty, high-protein dish infused with aromatic spices and layered with nutritious lentils, offering a delightful taste of North African cuisine. This comforting bake is perfect for a cozy dinner, providing both flavor and nourishment.

Ingredients

• Green or brown lentils - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 250 milliliters
• Chopped fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons
• Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled
• Almonds - 30 grams, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
6. Add the rinsed lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and half of the crumbled feta cheese.
8. Transfer the lentil mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining feta cheese and chopped almonds.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 18 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from the vegetables and spices, supporting overall health.

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