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–+ servings
Hearty Lentil and Barley Bake – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Hearty Lentil and Barley Bake

A simple, dump-and-bake recipe that transforms pantry staples into a rich, satisfying casserole brimming with earthy flavors and textures. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a healthy, hands-off dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 5 serving
Calories: 292
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • Hearty Lentil & Barley BakePREP: 20 minutesBAKE: 1 hour 15 minutesSTAND: 5 minutesOVEN: 350°F (180°C) / 175°CMAKES: 5 servings
  • 1 19-ounce / 540g (19 oz) can lentil soup
  • 1 15-ounce / 425g (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (70 g / 2.47 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup (128 g / 4.5 oz) sliced carrots
  • 1 cup (145 g / 5.1 oz) frozen whole kernel corn
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) regular barley, uncooked
  • 1/3 cup (60 g / 2.12 oz) bulgur, uncooked
  • 1/4 cup (40 g / 1.41 oz) chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) salt
  • 1/2 cup (56 g / 1.98 oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • Easily make this dish vegan by swapping the cheddar cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. Cheddar-style soy or nut-based cheeses work beautifully.
  • This casserole is fantastic for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers after baking. It reheats wonderfully for quick and healthy lunches throughout the week.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.
  2. In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the lentil soup, rinsed black beans, sliced mushrooms, carrots, corn, water, uncooked barley, uncooked bulgur, chopped onion, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Stir everything together until well combined. 2.
  4. Cover the casserole dish and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the barley and bulgur are tender. Be sure to stir the mixture twice during the baking time to prevent sticking and ensure the grains cook evenly. 3. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, give it one final stir, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. 4.
  5. Cover the dish again and let it stand for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to become perfectly melted and gooey before serving.
  6. Sauté the onions and mushrooms in a little olive oil before adding them to the casserole. This simple step deepens their flavor and adds a wonderful aromatic base to the dish.
  7. Don't be afraid to add more spices! A teaspoon of smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely warmth and complexity to the casserole.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 17gFat: 4g

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