Vegetarian Chilli
Preparation time: 2hr 30mins // Serves 6
- 2 cups brown lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable stock (I used a no animal content ‘beef’ stock)
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1cm (½ inch) cinnamon stick
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 red capsicum (pepper)
- 2 chillies (optional or to taste), diced
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- 2 tbs brown sugar
- 2 cobs fresh corn (kernels removed) OR 1 can of tinned corn
- 1-2 cups stock (extra)
Add the lentils, onion, bay leaves, cinnamon and liquid stock to a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil; turn heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile pre-heat the oven to 200°C/390°F.
Slice the capsicum in half and remove seeds and membrane. Place the capsicum cut side down and the whole tomatoes onto a baking dish.
Place in the pre-heated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes until soft and the skins are just starting to brown.
Remove from the oven a set aside to cool. Once cool puree in a kitchen wiz or by passing through a sieve to get a smooth consistency; set aside.
Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a large heavy based pot; add the chilli and garlic and cook for 1 minute over a medium heat. Add the spices and cook for a further minute until fragrant.
Add the pureed tomatoes and capsicum, tomato paste, brown sugar and stock cube. Cook over a medium heat until sugar and stock cube have dissolved.
Add the lentils and any remaining liquid and the corn kernels; stir well to combine.
Bring to a simmer and then turn heat down low. Gently cook the Chilli over a very low heat for up to 2 hours; adding more stock when needed so as to keep the Chilli from sticking. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick before serving.
for the Spanish rice
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ cup Spanish black olives, pitted & sliced
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large fry pan; add the red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the rice and spices; toss through.
Add the water and cover with a well fitting lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes over a low heat until all the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir through olives.
Just before serving place the frypan with the cooked rice under a medium grill. Grill carefully for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and crunchy.
for the Simple Guacamole
- 2 ripe avocados, flesh removed
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt & Pepper
Mash the avocados in a bowl with the lime juice and salt & pepper to taste.
Serve the Chilli topped with guacamole and jalapeños or sliced green onions; with a side of rice and warm tortillas or with vegetarian or non-dairy cheese and/or sour cream.
A perfect family meal for hungry bellies or as a filling dish when entertaining friends! Enjoy!