Hearty lentil chili

Oh friends. Another goodie for Meatless Monday! This heart healthy lentil chili was oh so delicious, so easy to throw together on a week night, and so very healthy.

Did you know lentils are a literal super food? They help lower cholesterol, are awesome for your heart and digestive health, help stabilize blood sugar, are a source of good protein, increase your overall energy, and help promote weight loss.

Well, sign me up! 

Not to mention, they are pretty darn delicious in this recipe. This chili features them in a simple way. A little extra veggies, and little spice and a pop of fresh cilantro. Pile on some cheese and crackers on the top if you wish although it’s lovely served plain as well. I leaned heavy on the freshly chopped cilantro.

This was a great recipe to stretch for a few meals. I ended up eating it for dinner and two lunches as well. And I felt really really good about that.

Get a pot of this hearty lentil chili going for Meatless Monday today! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And your heart will thank you.  😉 

HEARTY LENTIL CHILI
Recipe adapted from Little Broken

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsp. chili powder
1 (16 oz.) bag of brown lentils
2 (14.5 oz.) cans no-salt diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2 (32 oz.) cartons vegetable stock or chicken stock
⅓ cup fresh chopped cilantro
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
Optional toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, croutons, tortilla chips, avocado

DIRECTIONS:

In a large heavy duty dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper and saute for 8 minutes or until soft and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Stir in garlic and chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add lentils, tomatoes, bay leaf and stock. Season with salt and ground black pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Transfer 3 cups of cooked chili into a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add back into the pot and stir until combined. Taste for salt and pepper.

Stir in cilantro and serve with your choice of toppings!

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Courtney

Courtney is a wife to M and a mom of two boys, L (8) and B (3). Most of her blogging is done frantically during nap time in between laundry, cleaning, and the occasional housewives rerun. Or the brief hour or so that she can stay awake after the boys go down for the night. She loves her sleep. Read more...

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