Meatless Monday: Hearty Lentil Chili

Lentils are an amazing food, especially for vegetarians.  Just half a cup contains 9 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, no fat or saturated fat, and only 120 calories.

Vegetarian Lentil Chili

4 cups cooked lentils* (these can be prepared ahead) using 2 cups of dried organic lentils and cooked in about 5 cups of water or vegetable broth

1 cup frozen roasted or plain corn kernels (Trader Joes carries the roasted frozen corn)

1 red or green bell pepper, chopped*
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes and their juice
1 cup beer (preferably a dark beer)
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp chipoltle chili powder or sauce (optional if you like a spicier, smokey flavor)
1 tsp. salt or to taste
1 tbs. olive or canola oil

1/cup Queso fresco or other mexican style cheese (optional if you want to keep this vegan)

For an even heartier chili, add a can of drained and rinsed black or kidney beans

*Short cut 1: Trader Joes has pre-cooked steamed lentils in a 1.6 oz ready to use package. They are delicious and can be used in a variety of recipes
*Short cut 2: instead of the fresh pepper and onion, use 1 jar of roasted tomato salsa (I love Frontera roasted tomato salsa; Trader Joes also makes a tasty one)

Method 1

In a sauce pan over medium high heat, heat the oil and add the onions, garlic and pepper. Saute until softened and season with a sprinkle of salt. Add the cooked lentils, beans if you are using them, corn kernals, tomatoes and beer, and stir to combine. Season with the garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle seasoning if using, and the fresh cilantro. Cook about 7-8 minutes until liquid is reduced to your desired thickness. Top with cheese if using and additional chopped fresh cilantro. Top with traditional mexican crema or sour cream, a few crumbled corn tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Method 2 (This is super quick but still tasty!)

In a sauce pan heat the oil and lightly saute chopped garlic until softened. Add the cooked lentils (your own or packaged, pre-cooked) and beans if you are using them. Add the seasonings: salt, garlic powder, optional chipotle powder/sauce. Add jar of roasted tomato salsa, corn, fresh cilantro and beer. Stir to combine. Let cook 6-7 min or until liquid is absorbed to your desired thickness. Top with fresh cheese, additional fresh cilantro, crema or sour cream, tortilla chips and a squeeze of fresh lime.