Tempeh & Lentil Cheesy Bowl

Instructions

1. Soak the Cashews

   1 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Place cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water.
   • Let soak for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare Vegetables

   3 min hands-on

   • Slice leeks lengthwise and chop into half-moon shapes.
   • Mince garlic, dividing into three portions for lentils, greens, and sauce.

3. Cook the Tempeh

   6 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   • Crumble tempeh into the pan, add salt, and cook until golden brown.
   • Add soy sauce and cook until absorbed and crispy, then set aside.

4. Sauté Leeks and Garlic

   10 min hands-on

   • In the same pan, heat more olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add leeks with salt and sauté until softened.
   • Stir in garlic and cook briefly, then add spices and stir for aroma.

5. Cook Lentils

   2 min hands-on20 min waiting

   • Add lentils and vegetable broth to leek mixture.
   • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender.

6. Make Creamy Sauce

   3 min hands-on

   • Blend soaked cashews, tofu, miso, yeast extract, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth.
   • Add water if needed for consistency, then season with salt and pepper.

7. Sauté Greens

   5 min hands-on

   • Chop and rinse greens, then cook in a dry pan until wilted.
   • Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking until greens are tender.
   • Squeeze lemon juice over greens before removing from heat.

8. Combine and Assemble

   2 min hands-on

   • Stir creamy sauce into cooked lentils until combined.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

9. Serve the Dish

   2 min hands-on

   • Spoon lentil mixture into bowls and top with crispy tempeh and greens.
   • Garnish with chopped mixed nuts and serve with toasted French bread.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Ensure cashews are fully softened for a silky sauce texture.
   • Add a pinch of nutritional yeast to the sauce for extra umami.
   • Stir lentils occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Add chili flakes to greens or as garnish for a spicier kick.
   • Toast French bread lightly for a crunchy contrast.