Hearty Lentil And Vegetable Bake Recipe

English cuisine · 306 calories

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Bake recipe

About this recipe

This hearty lentil and vegetable bake is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner. Combining tender red lentils with fresh carrots, chayote squash, and aromatic spices, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal that's packed with protein. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture without dairy, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions. The bake is air-fried to perfection, creating a slightly crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Serve it alongside thinly sliced cucumber for a refreshing touch. Whether you're meal prepping for a gym week or simply craving comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation. Give it a try for your next evening meal!

Ingredients

  • NaN Trs Lentils Red (Masoor Dall)
  • 100 g Yorkshire English Carrots 100G
  • 1 Onion Large 1 Each
  • 3 Pack Fresh Chow Chow Vegetable I Fresh Chayote Squash I Pack Of 3
  • 165 Ml Tropical Sun Coconut Milk Mini
  • - Spice Kitchen Moroccan Spice Tin
  • - Biona Capers In Olive Oil
  • 750 G Top-Op Table Salt Drums
  • 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
  • 113G Royal Baking Powder Tin, 113G
  • - Jalpur Rice Flour
  • 1 Piece Cucumber 1Pc

Instructions

  1. 1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
  2. 2. Peel and dice the fresh carrots, onion, and chayote squash into small, uniform pieces.
  3. 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until golden and aromatic.
  4. 4. Add diced carrots and chayote squash to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. 5. Stir in the rinsed lentils and add coconut milk, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  6. 6. Add the Moroccan spice mix, salt, and black pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes until lentils are tender.
  7. 7. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C while preparing the bake mixture.
  8. 8. Combine rice flour and baking powder in a bowl, then mix into the lentil and vegetable mixture to thicken.
  9. 9. Transfer the mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
  10. 10. Air fry the lentil bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
  11. 11. Thinly slice the fresh cucumber for a refreshing side and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  12. 12. Let the lentil bake cool for a few minutes before serving alongside the cucumber slices.

How to make Hearty Lentil And Vegetable Bake

  1. Prepare the vegetables. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water. Peel and dice the carrots, onion and chayote squash into small, even pieces.
  2. Sauté the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until golden. Add the carrots and chayote and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Simmer the lentils. Stir in the lentils and coconut milk, then add the Moroccan spice mix, salt and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  4. Thicken and air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Mix rice flour and baking powder into the lentil mixture to thicken it, spread it in an air fryer-safe dish and air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  5. Cool and serve. Thinly slice the cucumber and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let the bake cool for a few minutes, then serve it with the cucumber slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Bake take to make?
About 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
Is Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Bake vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian, built on red lentils, carrots, chayote squash and coconut milk.
What can I use instead of chayote squash in the lentil bake?
Swap it for courgette or butternut squash. Courgette cooks a little faster, while butternut needs a few extra minutes to soften.
Why add rice flour and baking powder to the lentil mixture?
They bind the soft lentils and give the top a light, set texture in the air fryer, so the bake slices cleanly instead of spreading like a stew.
Can I freeze leftover lentil bake?
Yes, cool portions quickly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot all the way through.