Lentil Casserole with Crumbled Goat Cheese and Drizzled Honey

Lentils, lentils, lentils. These amazing little legumes are not only delicious, but they are deliciously good for you! Here at the McMullen house we have been trying to find healthy alternatives to eating meat all the time. I had a bag of lentils on hand and clearly the first thought is a nice big bowl of comfort lentil soup. I have to agree with the Greek playwright Aristophanes who once called lentil soup the “sweetest of delicacies." (I may have googled 20 fun facts about lentils and found that gem of a quote) Anytime I feel under the weather, or just down right blue from the never ending snow that has been falling upon us, ahhh there is lentil soup on the stove making me feel oh so much better. Well I decided to change things up and try something new, lentil casserole with crumbled goat cheese. Every time I make a new recipe we grade it on a scale of A to F, and my husband Micah rated this at the very top, the prized A. I strongly encourage you to make and post some feedback with your rating and adaptations!

 What you will need:
1 cup lentils
2 cups water
1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 red onion
1 to 2 large carrots, grated
1 good handful of fresh chopped parsley
2 tablespoons of flour (you can use a gluten-free option as well)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup goat cheese (I used a whole small container, but I personally love cheese)
Salt and pepper to taste
Honey to drizzle on top

How to make:
1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2)Bring the lentils and water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the lentils to cook all the way until the water is absorbed.
3) While lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and then add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Then add in the carrot and garlic and sautee until they are tender.
4) Add the cooked veggies to the cooked lentils and mix in the chopped parsley, flour, soy sauce, and salt and pepper.
5) Grease a small 8x8 casserole dish and spread the lentil mixture evenly. Top with goat cheese.
6) Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese has softened.
7) Top with extra parsley and lightly drizzle with honey, then enjoy!

Hope everyone enjoys this as much as we did!