At the end of February, a month occupied with heart-related matters ranging from the celebration of love to the campaigning of Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, it seems fitting to present a healthy recipe one can make with love.
Why not try this healthy cake, dubbed the “fully-loaded veggie cake”? With a salad, it can be a meal on its own, or serve as a perfect side-dish.
Ingredients
1½ cups of red split lentils, rinsed and drained
1 medium butternut, peeled
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, diced
1 red pepper, finely chopped
250 g mushrooms, sliced
½ cup oats
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Serving suggestion:
Pecan nuts, toasted and chopped
Sprigs of parsley
Leafy green salad
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Grease and line a 20 cm springform cake tin, as well as a baking sheet.
2. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the lentils and allow to cook for 7 to 10 minutes until cooked through, but not too soft.
3. Drain the lentils thoroughly in a sieve until most of the water is gone. Add to a bowl and set aside.
4. Cut the butternut into 0,5 cm rings and scoop out the seeds. Dice 5 to 6 of the butternut rings into evenly sized cubes. Arrange the rings and diced butternut on a baking sheet, sprinkle over the oil and lightly season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until soft.
5. In an oiled pan, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the red pepper, mushrooms and oats. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the sautéed mixture to the cooked lentils. Add the diced butternut and one cup of the cheese, and mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour the lentil mixture into the lined cake tin and arrange the butternut in overlapping rings on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover the tin with foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and crispy.
8. Allow to cool for ten minutes, remove from the cake tin and place on a cake stand. Top with the toasted pecan nuts and fresh, chopped parsley before cutting into 6 to 8 portions. Serve with a leafy green salad and enjoy.
– Source: foodiesofsa.com
- Visit this website for more recipes, or the Facebook page Foodies of SA for its uniquely South African recipes.
