A hearty and flavorful lentil bake with a smoky maple twist, perfect for a comforting meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
In a large saucepan, combine the water, lentils, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Simmering the lentils gently prevents them from breaking apart.
Drain the lentils, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
The reserved liquid adds flavor to the dish.
In a casserole dish, combine the cooked lentils and diced onion.
Mixing the lentils and onion ensures even flavor distribution.
In a bowl, mix the reserved cooking liquid, ketchup, maple syrup, ground ginger, ground allspice, liquid smoke, black pepper, and remaining salt. Pour this mixture over the lentils and onion, stirring to combine.
Stirring well ensures the sauce coats all the lentils.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Cover the dish with foil if it starts to dry out.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Allowing the dish to cool slightly enhances the flavors.