Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

ladypit's Note:

This is a great meal that we eat here often in the winter time. With some dark bread and maybe a salad it is a really hearty meal, though we have been known to eat just this for dinner. The recipe is adapted from Amy Dacyczyn's "The Complete Tightwad Gazette"

• Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 3 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 3/4 cup lentils
• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (I use more)
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or a blend is preferable)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients except the cheese in a baking dish (I use an 11 x 7).
3. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes.
4. Then remove the foil, add the cheese, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Reviews

[Chef #1531347]

OMG this dish was soo good!!! I only changed a few things: I added a full cup of lentils instead of 3/4 cup, which helped to get rid of that extra liquid in the bottom. I also turned my oven up to 375 and cooked the dish for 45 minutes, plus 5 minutes for the cheese. It's better if you add carrots and more seasoning. I used ginger, curry, cayenne pepper, and more garlic. I would definitely make this again. Thanks Ladypit!!!

[jenminako]

This is a nice simple dish and we have made it many times. Sometimes I will add some extra veggies into the mix to make it more of a one dish meal. I have found that the size of the pan is crucial to have it cook in the time indicated. When I attempted the same recipe in a smaller dish it took much longer, and I gave up and transferred it to a larger dish to finish. Perhaps this is why so many have complained about the cooking time for this!

[1Punkydoodle]

I have to add to my review. I bought big bags of brown rice & lentils, dehydrated garlic & onions, bullion granules and italian seasoning. I put this recipe together in little bags with ribbons in a baskete and give them to my vegetarian friends as a gift. All they have to do is add water. I also takes the baggies on vacation with me in my suitcase. As far as I am concerned this recipe is practically perfect. It's dirt cheap, easy as pie and healthy and delicious. I think just using chicken broth is too bland. It needs salt. Anyway, it's the best.