Very Veggie Lentil Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 110g red lentils
02 - 75g white rice
03 - 650ml vegetable stock or 2 stock cubes made up in 650ml water
04 - 1 tbsp oil
05 - 1 small leek or 1/2 large leek, sliced
06 - 1 bell pepper, diced small (e.g., orange)
07 - 5 medium mushrooms, diced small
08 - 1 small courgette (zucchini) or 1/2 large courgette, diced small
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
11 - Black pepper
12 - 90g grated cheddar cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Boil the lentils and rice in the vegetable stock for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue stirring constantly during the last 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Let the remaining water reduce until the mixture resembles porridge.
02 - Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the chopped leek, pepper, mushrooms, and courgette. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
03 - Heat the oven to 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F).
04 - Mix the cooked lentils, rice, and vegetables in a large bowl. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Transfer half the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with half the grated cheese. Add the remaining mixture, smooth the top, and finish with the remaining cheese.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden brown and crispy.