Lentils Gratin with Vegetables

Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors of this lentils gratin casserole, a budget-friendly dish that’s destined to become a family favorite! Trust me, this recipe is an absolute game-changer!

I stumbled upon this gratin technique while watching a cooking TV show, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The secret lies in achieving that perfect crispy crust, transforming an ordinary casserole into a culinary masterpiece!

This lentil gratin with vegetables has a rich, ‘meaty’ texture, even the most ardent meat lovers won’t be able to resist. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up! Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this lentils gratin is a must-try. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you won’t be disappointed!

How to create the perfect gratin – technique tips & tricks

Creating the perfect gratin involves a combination of technique, ingredients, and attention to detail. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of making a delicious gratin:

1. Choose the Right Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Opt for fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and well-cooked grains or proteins like lentils.
2. Prep Ingredients Properly: Ensure that your vegetables are washed, peeled (if necessary), and cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If using grains or proteins, cook them according to your recipe’s instructions before assembling the gratin.
3. Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Layer your ingredients evenly in the baking dish to ensure that each bite has a balanced combination of flavors and textures. Start with a base layer of grains or proteins, followed by a layer of vegetables, cheese, and any other ingredients.
4. Season Well: Season each layer of the gratin with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to enhance the overall flavor profile. Be mindful not to oversalt, as some cheeses may already be salty.
5. Create a Creamy Sauce: If your recipe calls for it, make a creamy sauce to bind the ingredients together and add richness to the gratin. Use a combination of butter, flour, milk, and cheese to create a velvety sauce that coats the ingredients evenly.
6. Top with a Crunchy Crust: The key to a perfect gratin is the golden-brown crust on top. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, grated cheese, or a mixture of both over the top of the gratin before baking to create a crispy, flavorful crust.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the gratin in a preheated oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture is hot and bubbly throughout. Keep an eye on the gratin as it bakes to prevent it from burning.
8. Let it Rest: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This will also prevent anyone from burning their mouths on the hot cheese!

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a perfect gratin every time—one that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredient combinations and flavors to create your own signature gratin recipe!

Meal prep tips

To streamline the preparation of your lentils and veggies gratin and make it more convenient for busy weeknights, here are some meal prep tips:

1. Pre-Cook Lentils: Cook the lentils ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pre-cooking the lentils will save you time on the day you plan to make the gratin.
2. Chop Veggies in Advance: Wash, peel, and chop the vegetables needed for the gratin, such as carrots, celery, onions, and any other veggies you plan to include. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: If your recipe calls for a cheese mixture or sauce, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This way, all you have to do is assemble the gratin when you’re ready to bake it.
4. Assemble Ahead of Time: You can assemble the gratin in its baking dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is especially helpful if you’re hosting guests or want to have a ready-made meal waiting for you after a busy day.
5. Freeze for Later: If you want to prepare the gratin even further in advance, you can assemble it and then freeze it unbaked. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to your recipe’s instructions.

By prepping some or all of these components in advance, you’ll save valuable time and effort when it comes to making your lentils and veggies gratin on busy weeknights.

Looking for more delicious gratins? Check out these:

• Sweet Potato Gratin with Gruyere Cheese
• Spinach and Cauliflower Gratin
• Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (Low Carb)

Lentils Gratin

Gourmandelle.com

Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors of this lentils gratin casserole, a budget-friendly dish that's destined to become a family favorite! Trust me, this recipe is an absolute game-changer!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 403 kcal

Ingredients

 

US (Imperial)Metric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 cup red lentils boiled for 20 minutes
• 1 cup feta cheese grated
• 1 carrot chopped
• 1 parsnip chopped
• 1 cup celeriac chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 eggs beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs you can use GF breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Saute the carrot, parsnip celery root, onion and mushrooms in a little bit of olive oil for about 10 minutes.
• Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl: sauteed veggies and mushrooms, grated feta cheese, beaten eggs, boiled red lentils, parsley, salt and pepper.
• Put the composition in a previously oil-coated casserole.
• In a separate bowl mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and spread evenly over the veggies in the casserole.
• Bake for 40 minutes at 180-200 degrees Celsius.

Nutrition

Calories: 403kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 26gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 770mgPotassium: 782mgFiber: 13gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2905IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 429mgIron: 5mg

Keyword casserole, gratin, lentils

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