Train Your Taste Buds: Two-Lentil Chili

Frequent consumption of sugary, fatty, or salty foods both hooks and dulls our taste buds.  When I'm not traveling, I like to plan my meals at home to ensure my family eats wholesome food that nourishes our bodies and to keep our taste buds trained to appreciate REAL foods.  Let's train your taste buds with a great lentil dish!

The lentil is Middle Eastern in origin and was one of the earliest cultivated crops.  It is at least 10,000 years old, and in many countries, like India (a country I can't wait to visit), it has long been an indispensable part of the diet.  Lentils are nutritionally rich, full of protein, vitamin B, iron, and phosphorus.  Have you ever eaten lentils? What did you think?

Two-Lentil Chili Recipe:
(Derived from 'Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker')

Ingredients:  

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 or 2 jalapeno chiles, seeded and minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and chopped
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed & picked over
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon natural sugar
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups water
• Diced avocado, minced onion, sou cream, shredded cheese, and/or chopped cilantro, for garnish.  

1. Add ingredients (except garnishes) to the slow cooker.  Stir, cover, and cook on low until the lentils and vegetables are tender--appx 6-8 hours.
   
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.  Serve hot, and garnish with your favorite chili toppings
   
3. Enjoy!