Title: Legume-Filled Delights: Unique Ostrich Egg and Lentil Bake
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
– 1 ostrich egg
– 1 cup dried green lentils
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp. dried thyme
– 1 tsp. dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnishing)
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse and drain the dried green lentils, then place them in a medium-sized pot. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent – about 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced carrots and celery to the skillet, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season vegetables with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
5. Once the lentils are tender, stir them into the skillet with the rest of the vegetables and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine.
6. Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) deep-dish pie plate or soufflé dish. Carefully crack the ostrich egg over a bowl and pour the egg white into a small cup for later use. Gently lift the egg yolk from the rest of the liquid. If desired, save the egg white for another recipe.
7. Arrange the lentil vegetable mixture into the prepared pie plate. Gently place the egg yolk on top.
8. Carefully pour the reserved egg white over the egg yolk, enveloping the yolk.
9. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the egg white has set and the top is golden brown.
10. Let the bake cool slightly before slicing, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, as an impressive and unique main dish for your guests.
For the picture:
[This space will be filled with the image of the Legume-Filled Delights: Unique Ostrich Egg and Lentil Bake, featuring a golden-brown crust and vibrant colors from the lentils, vegetables, and egg yolk.]
