Lentil Chili

• Lisa Stephenson
• Can be made in the Instant Pot, Stove-top, or Slow Cooker.
• From Mel's Kitchen Cafe 
• 
  
• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey (optional)
•  1/2 cup chopped yellow or white onion
•  2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
•  28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
•  4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
•  1 1/2 cups (about 12-14 ounces) brown lentils, rinsed, picked through and drained
•  1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and small diced
•  1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
•  1 tablespoon brown sugar
•  1 teaspoon dried oregano
•  1 teaspoon cumin
•  1 teaspoon salt
•  1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•  All the chili toppings your heart desires

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Instant Pot: Using the saute function, brown the ground turkey/beef (if using) with the onions and garlic, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, green bell pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes (if you are impatient, you can quick release right away, but liquid may sputter through the valve). After 10 minutes, quick release the remaining pressure.
3. Stir the chili and add any additional broth if you want to thin out the consistency (it will thicken as it cools). Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve with any and all chili toppings your heart desires.
4. Stovetop: In a 5- or 6-quart pot over medium heat, brown the ground turkey/beef (if using) with the onions and garlic, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, green bell pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally and moderating heat so the chili doesn't burn on the bottom.
6. Add additional broth, if desired, to thin out the chili. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve with any and all chili toppings your heart desires.
7. Slow Cooker: In a 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey/beef (if using) with the onions and garlic, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
8. Add the ground meat to the insert of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, green bell pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir the chili, and add any additional broth if you want to thin out the consistency (it will thicken as it cools). Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve with any and all chili toppings your heart desires.