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Vegetarian Chilli
From ‘5 Ingredients 10 Minutes’ Print Book page 176
It’s hard to beat this winning combo of chilli, beans and tomato. And while chilli con carne (meat based chilli) can be lovely, I prefer this veggie friendly version which uses lentils instead of the ground beef.
I’ve recently been getting into using fried shallots (baby onions) from the Asian grocery store as a quick way to inject some oniony flavour into quick dishes. If you don’t have any fried shallots, just soften an onion in a little oil before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
serves: 3
takes: 10 minutes
2 can tomatoes (400g/14oz each)
1 can lentils (400g/14oz), drained
1 can red kidney beans (400g/14oz), drained
1-2 teaspoons chilli powder
3 tablespoons fried shallots (see head note)
1. Place tomatoes, lentils, beans and chilli in a large saucepan.
2. Simmer over a medium high heat for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in the shallots, leaving a few to sprinkle over the top.
4. Taste and season, adding a little more chilli if it needs it. Serve.
Variations
carnivore – brown about 250g (1/2lb) ground beef in the pan before adding the other ingredients. Skip the lentils if you like.
no kidney beans? – replace with white beans, black beans or even chickpeas.
carb lovers / more substantial – warm tortillas or flat bread.
paleo (gluten, grain + dairy-free) – replace lentils with minced (ground) beef and beans with diced roast sweet potato.
more veg – soften onion, carrot and celery before adding other ingredients.
Problem Solving Guide
too hot – chilli varies quite a bit in heat levels. Next time add less. But for now, stir in a little olive oil for richness or serve with natural yoghurt.
too watery – simmer for a little longer to help the sauce reduce down.
too bland? add in a little more salt and pepper.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
can tomatoes / can lentils / can red kidney beans / chilli powder – keep them in the pantry.
shallots – skip them or keep in the fridge in a plastic bag for weeks.
Prepare Ahead?
Absolutely. Will improve if left for a day or two.
Leftover Potential
Will keep in the fridge for a week or so.
Serving Suggestions
Great on its own. You could serve with bread, tortillas, rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the sauce.
Lovely with a green salad on the side.
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