Healthy Lentil, Blackbean & Chicken Chili

I love Chili. I love chili even more now that I can eat it without feeling guilty.  This chili has as much fiber as it does protein.

Spices:
5 tsp of chili con carne powder
1 tsp ground cumin powder
1 tsp ground coriander powder
1 tbs red chili flakes (or to taste)
1 tsp onion powder
1 pinch of ground cinnamon

2 cups picked through and well rinsed dry brown lentils. I used a Goya brand.

1 pound ground meat.
1 medium onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
** I used ground chicken for a lower fat version. It rendered no oil when it cooked out. If you ground meat renders oil, drain and return back to the pan before adding onion and garlic.

Add spices and saute'. Do not add salt because it will prevent the lentils from cooking fast.

Add rinsed lentils and one can of diced tomatoes.

Add 5-6 cups of water. Simmer on the stove at medium-high for about 20 minutes until most of the water cooks out and the lentils are tender.

2 (15oz) cans drained rinsed black beans

1 can of Bush's Baked Vegetarian Beans. I like to use this because it is cooked with Brown sugar and it gives the chili a nice sweetness. You can always add some brown sugar as a substitute. I do like the white beans from the Baked beans and the other spices.
** I only recommend Bush's brand because it is only made with real brown sugar and spices. It does not contain any high fructose corn syrup and I have seen most of the other brands do have a lot of "unnatural ingredients". ** No, I am not on the board of the Bush's co. : )

Add the Black beans, one 8oz can of tomato sauce, 2 cups of water and the Bush's Baked Beans.Add salt and pepper to taste here.  Simmer for another 10-15 minutes on medium-high. Stir often. This photo was taken before I simmered it for 10-15 minutes.  There was a little bit of liquid left after I turned off the stove.  I let the chili sit 10 more minutes and the sauce thickened up.

I served it with my Creamy Guacamole, jalapenos and tortilla chips. You can serve it with any of your favorite chili toppings (ie... sour cream, shredded cheese, etc...)  This made about 5qts of chili and will serve 6-10 people.   Enjoy.


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