Lentil Orzo Casserole

Serves 8

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (1 cup)

6 medium cloves garlic, minced

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 cup dry brown lentils, rinsed

1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried

3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

6 oz. dry orzo pasta (1 cup)

1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes

1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs

2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

In large saucepan, heat 1 Tbs. oil over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; cook, stirring often, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes.
Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook, stirring, 30 to 60 seconds. Add lentils and thyme; stir to coat. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, 25 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350F. Coat deep 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer lentil mixture to prepared casserole. Add pasta, tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste; mix with rubber spatula. Pour in 1 1/4 cups boiling water. Cover with ovenproof lid or foil and bake until lentils and orzo are almost tender, about 25 minutes. Uncover and stir to redistribute ingredients. (Casserole can be made ahead to this point. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat on stovetop, adding enough water to achieve stewlike consistency. Return to casserole dish.)
In small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, parsley and remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Bake uncovered until bubbly and top is crusty, 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Per SERVING: Calories: 231, Protein: 11g, Total fat: 4g, Saturated fat: 1g, Carbs: 33g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 211mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugars: g