
Warm Red Lentil and Cauliflower Pie with Mild Curry, Yogurt-Lemon Seed Crust
An original baked vegetarian dish with a creamy red lentil base, spiced roasted cauliflower, onion, and spinach, finished with a light yogurt, cheese, and toasted seed topping. Comforting, aromatic, 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)
- 90 g fresh spinach (chopped gruesa)
- 160 g plain Greek yogurt (divided)
- 80 g sharp cheddar, grated (divided)
- 480 ml vegetable broth (hot)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 g lemon zest (fina)
- 25 g pumpkin seeds (for the crust)
- 9 g sesame seeds (for the crust)
- 6 g mild curry powder
- 2 g ground cumin
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 5 g Dijon mustard
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 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
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the cauliflower on a baking tray and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon mild curry powder, the cumin, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a little black pepper. Roast for 22 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden at the edges.
- 2
While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Add the rinsed red lentils and pour in the hot vegetable broth. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon curry powder, the remaining salt, and a little more black pepper. Simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and creamy.
- 4
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from the heat and stir in half of the Greek yogurt, half of the grated cheddar, the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
- 5
Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish about 20 x 20 cm / 8 x 8 in. Arrange the roasted cauliflower evenly over the top.
- 6
In a small bowl, mix the remaining Greek yogurt with the remaining grated cheddar, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Spoon this mixture over the top in small dollops to create a rustic crust.
- 7
Bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 18 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- 8
Serve warm, making sure each portion includes the lentil base, roasted cauliflower, and some of the yogurt, cheese, and seed crust.
Chef tips
For a firmer texture, let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If you want a more golden finish, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Substitutions
You can swap the cheddar for any semi-hard grated cheese. Spinach can be replaced with finely chopped tender chard. Pumpkin seeds can be replaced with sunflower seeds if preferred.
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 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
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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