Original Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1/2 bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons green lentils
• 2 tablespoons barley
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
• liberal use of crushed pepper corn
• 4 tomatoes (quartered)
• 1 15oz can of red beans (drained)
• A few shakes of crushed parsley

Instructions

1. In a medium-large pot, on medium high, add olive oil and chili powder. When warm add onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add bell pepper, continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes.
3. Add lentils, barley, salt and pepper. Cook for a minute.
4. Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in beans and parsley then cover. Cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring as needed.
6. Serve or let it simmer longer!

Closing

I made this recipe on a cold day last week, and I was amazed at how well it turned out. I did not record or take a picture of it, so I had to make it again! Glad I did, because it was good the second time, too! Albeit I added a little less salt the second time around and you may want to add to taste.

It is funny, this tastes and has much of the texture I was looking for with the madras recipe I made a few months back. With the barley the vegetarian dish finishes the circle for the complete protein. The lentils gives some added texture.

This is just another one of those dishes that will not disappoint on a cold day, especially if you add a biscuit to the side!