
Rustic Red Lentil and Roasted Cauliflower Bake with Dill Yogurt Cream
A comforting vegetarian savory bake made with a soft red lentil and onion base, topped with spiced roasted cauliflower and a fresh yogurt, lemon, and dill cream. Original, satisfying, and ideal as a main course.
Ingredients
- 500 g cauliflower in small florets (for roasting)
- 180 g dry red lentils (enjuagadas)
- 180 g yellow onion (chopped fina)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 200 g crushed tomato (en conserva or casero)
- 480 ml vegetable broth (low sodium if possible)
- 180 g plain Greek yogurt (for the cream)
- 90 g sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
- 40 g breadcrumbs (for the cubierta)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 8 g fresh dill (chopped)
- 4 g smoked paprika (divided)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 15 g butter (for the base)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Toss the cauliflower with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, the cumin, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Spread on a tray and roast for 22 to 25 minutes, until tender with browned edges.
- 2
2. While the cauliflower roasts, heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- 3
3. Add the red lentils, crushed tomato, vegetable broth, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture is thick like a dense stew.
- 4
4. Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish about 8 x 8 inches. Scatter half of the grated cheddar over the top. Arrange the roasted cauliflower evenly over it.
- 5
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining cheddar and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the cauliflower.
- 6
6. Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- 7
7. Meanwhile, make the cream by mixing the Greek yogurt with the lemon juice, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- 8
8. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve hot with spoonfuls of dill yogurt cream on top or on the side.
Chef tips
For a firmer texture, let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. If you want extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
Substitutions
You can swap the cheddar for aged gouda or low-moisture mozzarella. Dill can be replaced with parsley or chives. If you do not have crushed tomato, use thick passata.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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