Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups lentils
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained (or your favorite canned beans, rinsed and drained)
• 3 1/2 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (or parsley chopped)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (we use light sour cream)

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium high heat saute the onion in the oil (5 minutes). Stir in chili powder and salt.

2. Stir in lentils and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in tomato sauce, carrots and celery. Simmer 10 minutes.

4. Stir in beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Stir in cheese and cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper and serve topped with sour cream if desired.