Protein packed lentil bake

Now I've got three mouths to feed and a growing bump too, finding quick, easy, filling meal ideas is so important. I now opt for food I can quickly combine and throw in the oven or slow cooker to make life easier.

There are some recipes I go to over and over, and this really easy red lentil bake is one such winner. It is easy for weaning babies to pick up and digest, keeps toddlers happy, can be added to lunch boxes and even fills up the Carnivore when served with chips or jacket potatoes, if we're being virtuous.

Ingredients:

2 cups red lentils

4 cups vegetable stock

1 tbsp oil

1.5 cups rolled oats

1.5 cups cheese

1 small leek

1 carrot diced 

Handful of green beans diced

Paprika

Black pepper

How to cook:

- Add the lentils and stock to a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat until the lentils are tender. Stir regularly.

- Fry off the vegetables in a little oil in the meantime until soft.

- When the lentils are cooked combine vegetables and lentils in a mixing bow. Add the oats, paprika and pepper and mix thoroughly. 

- Once cooled add most of the cheese but keep some back for the topping and mix.

- Grease a baking dish and spread the mix out evenly levelling the top to make it flat. Add the rest of the cheese.

- Bake at 180 C (Gas mark 4) for around 45 minutes or until firm and the top is golden. 

- Allow to cool and cut into slices

Et voila a yummy, easy high protein meal to serve with either a green salad or chips, depending on how naughty you are feeling that day. :)

It can easily be made vegan too by using violife or other vegan cheese.

Let me know how you get on with it and if you make any variations.