Dinner

Spicy Root & Lentil Casserole Recipe

BySophie Carsel November 15, 2025November 15, 2025

Introduction

This spicy root and lentil casserole is a warming, hearty dish perfect for cozy evenings. Packed with tender vegetables and flavorful lentils, it’s an easy vegetarian meal that tastes as good as it feels.

This image shows a close-up view of a large metal pot filled with a hearty yellow curry. The dish has large pieces of yellow potato and is mixed with other soft vegetables in a thick sauce. On top, there is a dollop of white yogurt or cream, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves, giving a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the curry. The pot is set on a white marbled surface, and the curry looks rich and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
700g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 carrots, thickly sliced
2 parsnips, thickly sliced
2 tbsp curry paste or powder
1 litre (1¾ pints) vegetable stock
100g red lentils
A small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
Low-fat yogurt and naan bread, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion and crushed garlic for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 2: Add the potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Increase the heat and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables turn golden.
Step 3: Stir in the curry paste or powder, then pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat, add the red lentils, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Stir in most of the chopped coriander. Season to taste and heat for another minute.
Step 6: Serve topped with a spoonful of yogurt and the remaining coriander, accompanied by warm naan bread.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin along with the curry paste.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of curry paste or choose a mild curry powder.
This casserole also pairs well with rice if naan bread is not available.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of water or stock if it feels too thick.

How to Serve

A close-up of a metal pot filled with a thick stew, showing multiple pieces of yellow potato chunks mixed with small, rounded vegetable slices and lentils in a light brown sauce. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream or yogurt, sprinkled with fresh green cilantro leaves. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils in this casserole?

Red lentils work best as they break down and thicken the sauce, but you can use green or brown lentils; just increase the cooking time accordingly as they take longer to soften.