lentils are delicious!

During my first term at L'Abri, we feasted regularly on something called Lentil Casserole. At first I thought it was despicable. It's brownish mushy pebbly consistency reminded me of cleaning the rabbit hutch when I was younger. Shelby made the casserole every week, my memory is telling me that it was every Thursday's dinner. "You'll get used to it" said Vanessa. Oh boy.

But Vanessa was right! Thanks to Shelby's consistency, after a few Thursday dinners I realized I was actually looking forward to the plate full of tastiness. I think most of the students would agree with me, it was a good meal!

That was more than 2 years ago. I never wrote that recipe down and I have been full of regret. I have searched on different occasions for something similar, but was never successful. Never, until yesterday! I was skeptical, but I cooked my heart out last night! The recipe was perfect, full of flavor and full of memories.The whole thing was absolutely fantab-schmabulous! It was so great, that I am going to pass the recipe to you.

Lentil Casserole

2-2/3 cups water

1-1/4 cups white wine

a splash of olive oil

3/4 cup lentils, uncooked
1/2 cup brown rice

2/3 cup onion,

2 cloves garlic, well chopped (a few extra cloves never does any damage)

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 or 3 cups of grated cheese. (enough to cover the entire top of the casserole)

Combine all of the ingredients (except the cheese) in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a 1-1/2 quart casserole. Place the casserole (uncovered) into the oven (350 F) and bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Stir things around about twice during cooking. Remove when the casserole is moist but not runny. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for another five minutes.

NOTE: If you are going to make this in a 9x13 pan you might want to double the recipe. You don't have to, but it ends up being a thinner layer if you don't double it.

This tastes wonderful with a good salad w/balsamic vinaigrette, and hearty whole wheat bread. The vinaigrette compliments the casserole flavors very well and I find myself pushing things together. Enjoy, and send me your feedback if you do!