Indian Lentil Chili

Happy snow day from northeast PA!

This may or may not look particularly appetizing to some, but I promise it is so delicious. It's easily my favorite dish to make, and my family, 3 of whom are omnivores, also really enjoy it. I often serve it over steamed kale, but it can definitely stand alone, as I am eating it here for breakfast. Yeah, I'll eat all kinds of things for breakfast, I don't really believe in things being "breakfast" foods or "lunch" foods...it's all food to me. So here's how you can make my yummy chili, and it yields about 8 servings in a small bowl like I have shown:

Ingredients:

1 large onion chopped (I used red this time around, but I usually use yellow. Equally tasty)

4 cloves garlic, minced

6-8 whole baby bella mushrooms, or about 2 cups chopped

3 cups cooked green lentils

1- 20 oz can crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup water

2 tbsp turmeric

1 tbsp curry powder

2 tbsp Patak's spicy garlic tandoori paste*

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, if you want it spicier)

*This can be omitted; just make sure to add 2 tsp cumin and 1 tbsp ginger powder if you don't use it

Directions:

• Cook 1.5 cups dried lentils to yield about 3 cups of cooked lentils. 
• Cook by boiling 1.5 cups in 3-3.5 cups of water and cook until soft (about 25-30 minutes) 
• Set lentils aside 
• Add chopped onion and minced garlic to large wok/stir fry pan on medium - high heat 
• Use water to keep onions from sticking to pan
• As onion and garlic become translucent, add spices and stir periodically 
• Add chopped mushrooms, cook for another 4-5 minutes 
• Add Patak's spicy garlic tandoori paste* Which can be found in the international food section of the grocery store 
• Add lentils to the mixture and stir
• Add crushed tomatoes and mix it all together

Done-zo! This is a one pot meal of sorts, you get veggies, and legumes, and if you choose, you can add steamed greens and serve the lentil chili over top. My mom has been known to make herself a big salad, and top it with the chili to use as her dressing. It's quite versatile. Enjoy!