Lentil Rice and Veggie Bake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup red lentil
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 fresh tomato, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup chopped carrot
• 1/3 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Place the rice and 1 cup water in a pot, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes. Place lentils in a pot with the remaining 1 1/2 cups water, and bring to a boil. Cook 15 minutes, or until tender.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350° F (175°C).

3. 3

   Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and stir in the onion and garlic. Mix in tomato, celery, carrots, zucchini, and 1/2 the tomato sauce. Season with 1/2 the basil, 1/2 the oregano, 1/2 the cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.

4. 4

   In a casserole dish, mix the rice, lentils, and vegetables. Top with remaining tomato sauce mixed with remaining basil, oregano, and cumin.

5. 5

   Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bubbly.

6. 6

   This really doesn't need to bake since there is no meat it is more to heat and let the tastes meld together, this I find does not need the full 30 minute We also substitute cooked brown rice.