Cincinnati Lentils

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry lentils (plus 2 1/2 cups water, or 1 15.5 ounce can lentils plus 3/4 cup water)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes (1 if using canned lentils)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 4 cups cooked basmati rice
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced onion