Weeknight Romanian Pan-Fried Lentils Bake

Assemble the ingredients: lentils, carrot, butter, coriander, bay leaf, olive oil, salt.

Warm oil in a heavy pot. Add the lentils and cook until pan-fried.

Stir in the aromatics and spices — the backbone of Romanian flavors.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning; the flavor should deepen as it cooks.

Plate and serve with traditional Romanian accompaniments such as bread, rice, or fresh herbs.