BAKED LENTILS & VEGETABLES WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE

~ 365 Easy One-Dish Meals

2 c. lentils, rinsed and picked over
2 1/4 c. hot water
2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. marjoram
1/4 t. sage
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 lb. fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 T. chopped parsley
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a 9x13-inch dish or shallow 3 1/2-4 qt. oval casserole, combine lentils, water, onions, garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, marjoram, sage, and tomatoes with their liquid. Mix well.

Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and stir in carrots, green beans, and parsley. Cover and bake 35-40 minutes longer, or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves. Sprinkle top with cheese and return to oven until cheese melts.