Lentil Chili

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When the snow is falling outside all I feel like making are comforting meals that can easily be eaten on the couch while I am wrapped up in my favorite blanket. Soup and chiliare one of my favorites meals this time of year.

They are so warm, filling and usually healthy. This simple weeknight friendly chili recipe uses lentils instead of beans for a quick comforting meal. It also has an unexpected ingredient…chocolate! The chocolate adds an unexpected depth and richness to this hearty chili. It can easily be adapted to be a vegetarian recipe by substituting the bacon for olive oil.

Do you eat lentils? If not, you really should! Lentils are one of the healthiest foods around. They are high in protein, cholesterol free, virtually fat-free, and low in calories. They are also budget-friendly, high in folate, fiber and a great source of iron. This hearty chili takes only an hour to make and is a great way to brighten up a snowy winter evening.

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Lentil Chili

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1

Servings: servings (1 ¼ cups per serving/ 229 calories)

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Ingredients

2 strips bacon, diced (or 2 tablespoons of olive oil)
2 cups onion diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
3 cups V-8 or tomato juice
3 cups hot water
2 cups [brown lentils], rinsed
1 tablespoon chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chips
1 lime, juiced
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate;set aside.
Sweat the onions, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic in the bacon drippings (or 2 tablespoons of olive oil) until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, V-8, water and lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
Stir in chocolate until it melts, 2-3 minutes. Add the lime juice and bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish each serving with sour cream and avocado.