Easy & Warm Winter Meal that's a Better Choice than Pizza

Low-Calorie, Big Portions: Red Pepper and Lentil Bake

(Copied and pasted from "Fitsugar.com", By: Leta Shy)

Note From Alli: A client of mine texted me in a moment of weakness, telling me she was tired and craved pizza. I have those days, especially on lazy Saturday afternoons.  I advised her to try a warm, chewy lentil soup instead -- that's what I do when I'm craving a warm, gummy, carby meal. Below is a recipe for a make-ahead dish that is easy to freeze then thaw in your next "pizza crave". 

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup lentils, such as Puy or green
2 1/2 cups low-sodium, organic vegetable broth
4 red bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
1 large cooking apple such as Granny Smith or McIntosh, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 cup white wine
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
1 ounce shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 ounce shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. - Heat the olive oil gently in a large saucepan, add onion and garlic, and fry for five minutes until the onions are translucent.
3. - Add lentils and stir, then add vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
4. - Add the peppers, basil, apple, white wine, and canned tomatoes and mix well.
5. - Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof 9-by-13 baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top. Cook in oven for 30 minutes.
6. - Serve immediately, or freeze remaining portions in individual servings.(Makes 4)