Baked Lentils with Cheese

This almost borders on comfort food. It's simple, it's easy and it's delicious.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 3⁄4 cups lentils
• 2  cups water
• 1  bay leaf
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon marjoram
• 1⁄8 teaspoon sage
• 1⁄8 teaspoon thyme
• 2  onions, chopped
• 2  cups canned tomatoes
• 2  large carrots, sliced
• 1⁄2 cup celery, sliced
• 1  green pepper, chopped
• 2  teaspoons  chopped parsley
• 3  cups  shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Combine lentils, water, spices, onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a 9x13 baking dish.
3. Cover tightly and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in carrots and celery and bake, covered, for another 40 minutes.
5. Stir in green pepper and parsley.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake, uncovered, for five minutes until cheese melts.
7. For variation, put mashed potatoes on top in place of the cheese.