Honey Baked Lentils

This sweet and savory entree is packed with fiber, protein, and potassium!

Makes 7 servings

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups lentils (uncooked, 1 pound)
• bay leaf (1 small, optional)
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
• 1/2 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon herbs (fresh or dried)

Instructions

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Combine rinsed lentils, bay leaf, and 5 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover tightly and reduce heat. Simmer 30 minutes. Do not drain. After cooking, discard bay leaf.
3. Chop onion. Combine onions and carrots with 1 cup water. Add to lentils and stir into a 9x13 baking dish.
4. Brown ground beef (if using). Drain and discard fat. Add the meat to the lentil mixture.
5. Pour honey over entire casserole.
6. Add herbs if desired.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake it for one hour at 350 degrees.

Notes

1. Replace 1 cup water with 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 2 cups tomato sauce.
2. Omit the ground beef for a meatless meal that is lower in calories and fat.

For nutrition information, please visit Honey Baked Lentils at MyPlate.gov

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