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Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Name: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp Olive Oil; 1 cup diced Onions; 1 cup diced Carrots; 2 tsp Dried Thyme; 2 tsp Smoked Paprika ((sub regular paprika)); 1 tsp Mustard Powder ((sub Dijon mustard)); 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 3 cups Vegetable Stock / Broth; 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce ((sub Tamari for gluten-free)); 3 Tbsp Tomato Paste; 1 1/2 cups Raw Green Lentils; 1 cup Frozen Peas, defrosted; 24 oz Frozen Tater Tots ((potato “coins” or “crowns” are great too; use gluten-free if needed))

Inquiring Chef

This vegetarian version of the comfort food classic will satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Hearty lentils and savory spices make up the foundation of this warm and cozy Tater Tot Casserole. The natural starch in lentils create a creamy sauce for this casserole without the need for any added cream. Transfer this to a casserole dish or bake it right in the skillet you use to sauté the filling.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 cup diced Onions

1 cup diced Carrots

2 tsp Dried Thyme

2 tsp Smoked Paprika ((sub regular paprika))

1 tsp Mustard Powder ((sub Dijon mustard))

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

3 cups Vegetable Stock / Broth

2 Tbsp Soy Sauce ((sub Tamari for gluten-free))

3 Tbsp Tomato Paste

1 1/2 cups Raw Green Lentils

1 cup Frozen Peas, defrosted

24 oz Frozen Tater Tots ((potato “coins” or “crowns” are great too; use gluten-free if needed))

Method

Preheat oven to 425°F / 218°C. If using a 9x13-inch casserole dish, spray it with nonstick cooking spray (alternatively, you can prepare the filling in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet and bake the casserole directly in that).

Heat a 12-inch skillet (if baking right in the skillet) or saucepan (if planning to transfer to a casserole dish) over medium heat. Add olive oil. When it begins to shimmer, add onions and carrots and sauté until starting to soften, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add dried thyme, smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and stir for 2 minutes.

Stir in stock, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.

When liquids are simmering, stir in lentils. Cover and simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, ~20 minutes. (Reduce heat if needed to maintain a low simmer.)

Stir peas into lentils.

If using a casserole dish, scrape lentil mixture into casserole dish.

Top lentils with tater tots in a single layer.

Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, until tater tots are deep golden brown and very crisp, ~30 minutes.

Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with some plain yogurt or sour cream if you’d like. Enjoy!