Description
Mediterranean magic unfolds with this hearty red lentil and herb bake, blending aromatic spices and fresh herbs into a comforting dish. Rich layers of flavor invite you to savor each delicious spoonful of this nourishing culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 glasses (350 grams) red lentils
- 3 eggs
- 1 glass (180 grams) yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
Dry Ingredients:
- 10 grams baking powder
- Salt, to taste
- Red sweet pepper powder, to taste
- Black cumin or sesame seeds (for topping)
Herbs and Garnish:
- Cheese, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Red hot pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for greasing the baking pan)
Instructions
- Soak red lentils in boiling water for 3 hours, allowing them to soften and expand completely.
- Drain the lentils thoroughly, removing excess water to prevent a watery batter.
- Transfer the softened lentils to a blender, combining with eggs, yogurt, and olive oil until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate baking powder, chopped cheese, fresh parsley, dill, red hot pepper, sweet pepper powder, and salt into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C, preparing a baking pan by lightly coating with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour the lentil batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even spread across the surface.
- Sprinkle black cumin or sesame seeds over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, which helps the bake set and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve warm, accompanying with a fresh green salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for enhanced enjoyment.
Notes
- Soak lentils thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that blends perfectly into the batter.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano or thyme to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
- Choose high-moisture cheeses like feta or soft mozzarella to keep the bake tender and prevent dryness during baking.
- Adjust oven temperature slightly lower if using a dark baking pan to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 408
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg