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Lentil Chili

Servings 6 (approx. 1 1/2 cups of chili)
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil or oil of choice
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper remove seeds and ribs, diced finely
  • 1 onions chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained
  • 1 can 15 oz fired roasted tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce - or 2 (8 oz) cans works fine too
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup green lentils dry
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

  • avocado diced
  • jalapeno sliced
  • tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat oil. Saute peppers, onions, and salt until softened.
  • Add chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, lentils, and cinnamon to the pot. Stir.
  • Bring to a simmer. Cover and continue to simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Notes

Other Thoughts:
  • Use any color bell peppers you want or have on hand - the two colors just look pretty.
  • If you're spicy foods averse, leave out the jalapeno. They're like a box of chocolates - you never know when you'll get a super spicy one.
  • Keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Also freezes great for up to 3 months.
  • While messy, this is an awesome food for little guys. (leave out the jalapeno) They need the iron and get all the other veggies and beans cooked down nice and soft for gumming.
  • This is a crowd pleaser - vegan, gluten free, dairy free.
How-to-Use:
Athletes: Eat a big old bowl of this chili within an hour of a hard endurance training session to help speed recovery. Top with avocado to add some healthy fats to decrease post-exercise inflammation.
Healthy Eating: Try adding a meatless dinner in this week. (And, if you're already doing this - kudos to YOU!) Meatless meals with adequate plant protein sources are awesome for our heart health. Plus, they are typically lower in unhealthy fats - booyah!
Kids: Serve with tortilla chips and shredded cheese for the kids. Let them dip into the soup and sprinkle on the cheese. Or, try using the thick chili for "meat" on their nachos or chili. And, if you have a real superstar on your hands, let them have at a bowl as is!