Baked Lentils with Cheese

• lentils↗1 3⁄4 cups
• water↗2 cups
• bay leaf↗1
• salt↗2 teaspoons
• pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• marjoram↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• sage↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• thyme↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• onions, chopped↗2
• canned tomatoes2 cups
• large carrots, sliced↗2
• celery, sliced↗1⁄2 cup
• green pepper, chopped↗1
• chopped parsley2 teaspoons
• shredded cheddar cheese↗3 cups

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. 2

   Combine lentils, water, spices, onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a 9x13 baking dish.

3. 3

   Cover tightly and bake for 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in carrots and celery and bake, covered, for another 40 minutes.

5. 5

   Stir in green pepper and parsley.

6. 6

   Sprinkle cheese on top and bake, uncovered, for five minutes until cheese melts.

7. 7

   For variation, put mashed potatoes on top in place of the cheese.