Chipotle Lentil Chili

Ingredients

Yield:

6

• • 2 tablespoons veg oil (or neutral flavoured oil of choice)
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • 1 diced large sized red bell pepper
  • 6 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • ¼ can (199 ml per can) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped*
  • 2 cans (15 oz./425 g per can) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups water (plus more if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¾ cup dry red lentils
  • 2 cans (15 oz./425 g per can) beans of choice, drained (I like black beans or chickpeas)
  • 1 zucchini, seeded and diced
  • salt and pepper to taste

• Optional Ingredients

  • brown sugar to adjust
  • sour cream, shredded or crumbled cheese, avocado, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapenos
  • sliced green onions, diced fresh tomatoes
  • Sides of your choice (e.g. rice, quinoa, baked potato, baked yams, grilled crusty bread)

Preparation

Difficulty:

Easy

Time:

1 HourPrep

Total Time:

15 Minutes

1. 1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, onion and red bell pepper. Saute for 3 minutes, stirring often.
   2. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes ensuring you continue stirring.
   3. Add chili powder, cumin, crushed tomatoes, water, tomato paste, chipotle pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil over medium high heat.
   4. Once boiling, add lentils and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. You can add a bit more water if the mixture is looking dry or lentils are not covered. Stir every few minute to make sure that nothing sticks to bottom of pot.
   5. Add beans to your chili, stir to combine.
   6. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium low, cover, and gently simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavours together. Stir occasionally.
   7. Add zucchini, stir to combine. Recover and cook for 5 more minutes or until zucchini is cooked but not mushy.
   8. Adjust seasoning to taste. You can add a spoon or two of brown sugar if it is too acidic.
   9. Serve as is or with whatever toppings or sides that you like!