Honey Baked Lentils

Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils (uncooked, 1 pound)
• bay leaf (1 small, optional)
• 5 cups water
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1/2 cup onions (chopped)
• 1 cup water
• 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 9×13 inch 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 °F.

Source: USDA / MyPlate