Hearty Vegetarian Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 3 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 28 oz canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 zucchini
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• ½ lb lentils
• 1½ cups rice (optional)
• 1 cup quinoa (optional)

Steps

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently for 5-10 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried thyme, chopped carrots, celery, and peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Add the canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, sliced zucchini, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. Remove the fresh thyme sprigs from the casserole.
6. Stir in the lentils and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to heat through and absorb some liquid.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, optionally with rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.