A hearty comfort casserole of brown rice and lentils, topped off with melted Cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 2 3/4 cups water
- 3 cubes vegetable bouillon
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cups dry brown lentils
- 6 cups water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (8 ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese, grated and divided
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
PREPARATION:
In a saucepan, bring water and bouillon cubes to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 50 minutes, or until rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
Heat oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook zucchini and onion until tender, but still slightly firm, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, oregano, lentils, and about 6 cups water gradually. Bring to a soft boil, and continue cooking until lentils are tender, 45 to 60 minutes, adding water as needed.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Mix the cooked rice together with the lentils, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in 3/4 of the Cheddar cheese, and transfer mixture into a 9x13 inch pan. Mix remaining cheese together with the breadcrumbs, and spread evenly over the top of the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven just until cheese has melted, about 10 minutes.