Lentil And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

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)

Preparation

In a large pot over medium high heat saute the onion in the oil (5 minutes). Stir in chili powder and salt.
Stir in lentils and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, carrots and celery. Simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Stir in cheese and cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper and serve topped with sour cream if desired.