With Thanksgiving less than a week away, itโs time to crank my recipe delivery into full gear. In this last week, Iโve already shared the secrets to the best vegan mashed potatoes, a fun and unique stuffing that can double as your holiday table centerpiece, and an elegant spin on pumpkin pie. Oh, and also a roundup of 30 vegan recipes you can make for Thanksgiving.
So now itโs time for Thanksgiving main dish ideas! Hence this vegan, gluten-free Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Bake! This recipe is hearty, indulgent, and so flavorful, so you definitely wonโt feel like youโre missing out at Thanksgiving! And be sure to check out my brand new Cheesy Baked Butternut Squash for another vegan main dish idea this holiday season!
For the recipe video and visual instructions, be sure to check out the Youtube video!
Why you’ll love this recipe
As you can tell from these photos, this dish looks like itโs COVERED in cheese. Except itโs not! Not even any vegan cheese. Crazy, right? Itโs just cashew cream! More on that below.
The reason I love this Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Bake so much is that itโs basically a layered mixture of all my favorite wholesome ingredients mixed together in a really indulgent way.
The first layer consists of roasted vegetables. Theyโre baked in the oven until tender, sweet and caramelized. Then theyโre topped with a layer of the creamiest, most flavorful lentils. The lentils are simmered with onions, garlic, thyme, and vegetable broth, and then finished with a trio of winning ingredientsโmiso paste, tahini, and balsamic vinegar. Finally, we pour some cashew cream on top of everything. When the cashew cream gets baked, it forms this thick, cheesy crust on top that is incredibly irresistible. You would never know that this cheesy, bubbly crust is basically just cashews and water!
Ingredient Rundown
Now letโs talk about the ingredients and layers in this Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Bake!
Layer 1: Roasted Vegetables
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I use cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes, but this layer is easily customizable and you can use any vegetables that roast well. Some other good options would be rutabaga, any winter squash (such as kabocha squash, red kuri squash, or butternut squash), celery root, turnips, or parsnips (personally, I do not like parsnips, but they are an option).
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For most vegetables, cut them into roughly even size so they bake evenly. However, carrots take a bit longer to cook, so I cut them a bit smaller than the sweet potatoes and cauliflower.
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Toss the cut vegetables with a bit of oil (I prefer avocado oil or olive oil) and generously season with salt and pepper. I say generously because the salt not only helps draw out the moisture from the vegetables, making them less watery, but also intensifies the flavor and makes their natural sweetness shine.
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Spread the vegetables out on two large baking trays in an even layer. Take care to not overcrowd the pan or your vegetables will steam rather than roast.
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Bake at 400ยฐF/205ยฐC for 25-30 minutes until the veggies are soft, tender, and browned in some spots. I recommend tossing the veggies around at the halfway mark to ensure even cooking and browning.
Layer 2: Creamy Lentils
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When you think of lentils, you probably donโt think indulgent. But these lentils really do taste indulgent! They are so creamy and packed with flavor that youโre going to want to make them all the time!
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I use French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils. I like them because they hold their shape pretty well in cooking so itโs not just one mushy mass of a casserole. If you canโt find French green lentils, the next best substitute would be Black Beluga lentils. Regular green lentils (or brown lentils) get softer when cooked than either of these varieties. You can use them if you prefer a softer texture and/or if you canโt find either of these varieties.
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To flavor the lentils, I start by sautรฉing a sweet onion in olive oil. I like to use a sweet onion in this particular recipe because it highlights the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar that gets added later on. Of course, a regular yellow onion will work just fine if thatโs what you have. Once the onion is softened, I add some garlic because, well, garlic makes everything more flavorful!
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Then I add some vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and pick up any browned bits, which is where a lot of the flavor lives. You can use water but vegetable broth brings in a bit more flavor. Add the lentils and some fresh thyme sprigs and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked but still al dente.
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When the lentils are done cooking, they get finished with an explosion of flavor. First, tahini, which brings a rich creaminess and nutty flavor. Next, balsamic vinegar, which adds a slightly sweet flavor and helps binds the lentils together with its viscous stickiness. And finally miso paste, which brings a savoriness and saltiness to the lentils without using any salt.
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Regarding the balsamic vinegar, I do recommend using a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar. While you donโt need a super high-end bottle, I would avoid the $2-3 bottles, as they taste mostly like alcohol and donโt have the rich sticky, viscous texture and deep sweetness as traditionally aged balsamic vinegar.
Layer 3: Cashew Cream
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If youโre familiar with my recipes, you know that I absolutely LOVE cashew cream. So much so that I even made a whole video about how to make the best cashew cream, how to make flavor variations (hello, sriracha ginger cashew cream), and how to incorporate it into your recipes and meal prep.
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Cashew cream is great on its own, but when you bake it in the oven, as we do in this recipe, it gets next level. It forms a thick, cheese-like crust on top. So, it tastes like youโre eating a decadent cheesy casserole but itโs just made with cashews, water, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and nutritional yeast. Pretty crazy!
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You do need a high-powered blender or food processor to make cashew cream. Otherwise, the cashews wonโt break down fully and itโll be difficult to fully liquefy the sauce.
Tips for making this Creamy Lentil Winter Bake
Once you have all the main components readyโroasted vegetables, creamy lentils, cashew creamโitโs time to layer them into a baking dish (in that order).
This is an easy dish to make ahead, since all of the components can sit in the fridge for at least a day or two in advance. The cashew cream can even be prepared up to 3 or 4 days in advance. If you do prepare the lentils in advance and refrigerate them, they might be more solidified and less creamy than when you first cooked them. To remedy that, heat them up on the stove to loosen them up. And if needed, add a bit of water or plant-based milk to soften them up.
This recipe is designed to be made in a 13×9-inch baking pan or 3-liter casserole, but if you donโt have one, you could easily make it in two smaller baking pans. Since all of the layers are already cooked, using a smaller baking pan wonโt affect the cook time.
I like to bake this for 20 minutes or until itโs warmed through and the cashew cream has sort of encrusted. And to take it over the top, turn on your oven broiler and place the pan under the broiler for just a minute or two until the cashew cream is browned in some spots. It can burn easily so keep an eye on it.
Looking for more vegan holiday dishes?
- Mashed Potatoes: fluffy yet creamy mashed potatoes just like you love, but made vegan
- Scalloped Potatoes: Outrageously cheesy, creamy potato pillows that melt in your mouth
- Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese: cheesy, creamy, and crispy (and more nourishing than youโd expect!)
- Wild Mushroom Stuffing: an umami-rich spin on the classic stuffing
- Pumpkin Stuffed Shells: cheesy, chewy, garlicky, and creamy!
- Vegan Cornbread: crispy-crusted and buttery and practically melts in your mouth!
I hope you give this recipe a try at Thanksgiving (or another holiday) this year! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment below with your feedback and tag me on Instagram with your recreations!
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Bake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
Cashew Cream
- 1 cup (112g) raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour in boiling water
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (~150 mL) water
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1ยฝ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt + more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled
- 6 medium carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Creamy Lentils
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ยฝ cups French green lentils (also known as Puy lentils*)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- A handful of thyme sprigs
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
- 2 tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar**
Instructions
- Cover the cashews with boiling water and allow to soak for 1 hour. When done soaking, drain well and rinse.
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF/205ยฐC. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper (optional, but for easy cleanup).
- Prepare the vegetables. Cut the cauliflower into florets, and chop the peeled sweet potato into roughly equal size as the florets. Chop the carrots into slightly smaller pieces than the sweet potato (they take longer to cook). Toss the vegetables with the oil and generously season with salt and pepper. If the veggies seem dry, add a bit more oil as needed. Spread the veggies out in a single layer on the prepared sheet pans. Roast in the oven until they are browned in some spots and soft, tossing once during cooking, about 25 to 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350ยฐF/175ยฐC (or turn off until ready to assemble the bake).
- While the vegetables are roasting, cook the lentils. Heat a deep sautรฉ pan or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the diced sweet onion and cook until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with the vegetable broth or water, and then add the French green lentils and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a rapid simmer. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are tender but still al dente, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs and add the tahini, miso paste, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine and taste for seasonings, adding salt or pepper as desired.
- While the vegetables are roasting and the lentils are cooking, make the cashew cream. To a high-powered blender or food processor, add the soaked and drained cashews, water, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you need a bit more water to blend the cashews, add 1-2 more tablespoons. You can also prepare the cashew cream a few days in advance, if desired.
- Assemble the bake: If the oven is off, heat it 350ยฐF/175ยฐC. Layer the roasted vegetables on the bottom of a 13ร9-inch baking pan or 3-liter casserole (or in two smaller baking pans). Top with the cooked lentils and then pour the cashew cream on top, smoothing it out over the entire surface. Bake for 20 minutes, until warmed through. If desired, turn on the oven broiler and broil for a minute or two until the cashew cream is browned in some spots.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
Can you freeze this ????
SO good!! Real comfort food.
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Loralee!
I have no words for how absolutely delicious this is. One of the best things Iโve ever eaten in my life. Thank you so much!!!!!
Charlsie, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!
This is hands down the most delicious recipe Iโve made from this website, and Iโve made many of them!
Awesome, Kianna. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
This recipe turned out so good! My whole family wolfed it down. I used brown lentils as thatโs all I had on hand and I cooked them in my instant pot instead of on the stove to save some time and work. Will definitely be making this again!
Thanks for sharing, Kirsten!
It was amazing . My new favorite comfort food . Made a trial one pre christmas with the rosemary corn bread . Out of this world . Next is the ginger orange cheese cake with poached pears . No time for a tril run with it but I can not wait to make it and try it . I’m loving all the holiday ideas . No excuse not to find something to make incredibly delicious dishes Nisha . Thank you so much -โก
We are so happy you’ve been loving the recipes, Jennifer! That cornbread is one of our favorites too ;), enjoy the cheesecake!
As with all your recipes Nisha, this was amazing! Especially amazing. Took it to some friends’ Thanksgiving dinner, some vegan and some not, and everyone liked it. Nisha nails it again!!!
Awesome, Bob. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Nisha does it again! I actually subbed the cashew cream with your incredible recipe for mashed potatoes for a more seasonal November bake, and wow! I made an extra 1/2 cup of the lentils for us to just eat from the bowl while we waited for everything else to come together, because it was THAT creamy and THAT good. And the fact that it yields leftovers makes it the perfect meal to make over the weekend, so that you have a tasty and nutritious meal to heat up and eat during the work week.
Awesome, Hiyanthi. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Made this for a neighborhood potluck and everyone devoured it! I wanted to bring something gluten-free and vegan that I could share, not expecting anyone to really have much. But to my surprise people were even going back for second helpings! The seasonings are incredible and the recipe came together really quickly with one of us on chopping duty and the other manning the stove/making the cashew sauce. This is definitely going to be added to our rotation of meals to make and share with friends and family!
Great, Katy. Thanks for giving the recipe a shot and we are so happy to hear it was a neighborhood hit!
The make ahead part just refers to refrigeration, can I put it all together and freeze it ?
I need to make a lentil casserole that I can freeze for an upcoming event. Will this one fit the bill? Thank you!
Whoops – just saw that someone else asked this same question already. Thanks!
Hi. Question! Planning to try this soon- just learned the magnificent and flavorful power of lentils via your shepherd’s pie recipe, and am making the lentil rounds on your website. I don’t have a high speed blender, although the one I have is pretty decent. What can I do about the cashew cream?
Hi Ellie, I would make sure you soak the cashews overnight so that they fully so often, you can even soak them for longer, like 12 -16 hours. You can also use a food processor! Sorry for the late response!
Hi Ellie, I would make sure you soak the cashews overnight so that they fully soften, you can even soak them for longer, like 12 -16 hours. You can also use a food processor!
this looks delicious! has anyone tried making and freezing it? prepping ahead for a new baby.
Yep, you can. Search “make ahead” in the blog post – there are instructions on how to do that :)
Making this as we speak. Just wondering if I can freeze it? Thanks can’t wait to eat it!
MAKE THIS RECIPE. It takes a little bit of time with all the different components but it is SO worth it. I’ve made a lot of recipes, and this one ranks up there as one of the most delicious I’ve made to date! Thank you so much Nisha!
Sooo rich & flavorful! Made this for Thanksgiving & our whole household loved it, even my picky father. Will definitely make again. Thanks, Nisha!
Made this for Christmas dinner and it was divine! We were able to eat on it for a few days after too, and I was so sad when it was gone. I plan on making this once a week because I loved it so much.
Hi Nisha, I made the lentil bake last year for Christmas and it was a huge hit! Even our meat loving family went back for seconds and thirds. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!
Absolutely delicious! Tasted like Thanksgiving on a plate. I added in some roasted parsnips, beets, and honeynut squash and they melted in with the other veggies perfectly. Another solid recipe, Nisha! ๐
Is there an alternative for the cashew cream? We can’t have it due to a nut sensitivity.
Maybe try sunflower seeds, or hempseeds? Both get really creamy when blended and would likely make a fair replacement! ๐