Smoky Lentil Chili with Squash
Ingredients
Ingredients | Measure |
Olive Oil | 1 tbls |
Onion | 1 |
Leek | 1 chopped |
Garlic | 3 cloves |
Cumin | 4 tsp ground |
Coriander | 2 tsp ground |
Smoked Paprika | 1 tsp |
Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
Cocoa | 1 tsp |
Dried Oregano | 1/2 tsp |
Diced Tomatoes | 1 can |
Water | 3 cups |
Carrots | 3 chopped |
Brown Lentils | 1 1/2 cups |
Sea Salt | 1 tsp |
Squash | 1 Small |
Cashews | 1 Cup |
Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tsp |
Instruction
- Begin by roasting the squash
- Slice it into thin crescents and drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with sea salt
- I added a fresh little sage I had in the fridge, but it’s unnecessary
- Roast the squash a 205 C (400 F) for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until soft and golden
- Let cool and chop into cubes
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Meanwhile, rinse the lentils and cover them with water
- Bring them to the boil then turn down to a simmer and let cook (uncovered) for 20-30 minutes, or until tender
- Drain and set aside
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While the lentils are cooking heat the 1 Tbsp
- of oil on low in a medium pot
- Add the onions and leeks and sauté for 5 or so minutes, or until they begin to soften
- Add the garlic next along with the cumin and coriander, cooking for a few more minutes
- Add the remaining spices – paprika, cinnamon, chilli, cocoa, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and oregano
- Next add the can of tomatoes, the water or stock, and carrots
- Let simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until the veg is tender and the mixture has thickened up
- You’ll need to check on the pot periodically for a stir and a top of of liquid if needed
-
Add the lentils and chopped roasted squash
- Let cook for 10 more minutes to heat through
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Serve with sliced jalapeno, lime wedges, cilantro, green onions, and cashew sour cream
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SIMPLE CASHEW SOUR CREAM
1 Cup Raw Unsalted Cashews
Pinch Sea Salt
1 tsp
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Water
Bring some water to the boil, and use it to soak the cashews for at least four hours
- Alternatively, you can use cold water and let the cashews soak overnight, but I’m forgetful/lazy, so often use the boil method which is much faster
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After the cashews have soaked, drain them and add to a high speed blender
- Begin to puree, slowly adding about 1/2 cup fresh water, until a creamy consistency is reached
- You may need to add less or more water to reach the desired consistency
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Add a pinch of sea salt and vinegar (or lemon juice)