Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon oil (olive)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced bell pepper (green)
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 cups sliced zucchini
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 14oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 14oz can kidney beans, drained (light red)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 + cups vegetable broth or water (14 oz +)
1 cup red lentils
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, peppers, and salt and saute until beginning to soften. Add zucchini and cook until vegetables are soft and beginning to turn golden in spots. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder and saute until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add the tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, and 2 cups broth, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add the lentils. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, adding more water if needed. Stir in sugar and adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat.
Hot Mama Grade: A
Hot Mama Notes: This recipe was really good! Surprisingly so. I normally don't like chili much, but the fire roasted tomatoes really added a ton of flavor. Also, I liked the red Lentils. I did add a pound of ground beef to appease my kids and add a bit more heartiness. It didn't detract from the recipe at all, but I'm sure the recipe would be just as good without the meat. I started by browning the ground beef. Instead of draining the oil as I usually would, I sautéed the onions and peppers with the beef after it was browned. I did add some olive oil when I put in the zucchini because it was getting dry, and I didn't want it to stick to the pan. I also added seasoned salt and pepper at that time. Otherwise, the recipe is as written. I used a 14 oz can of vegetable broth plus maybe another half cup of water. 20 minutes did the trick. Yum! I will definitely make this again. :) Even the kids liked it, and when it comes to healthy meals, they are super picky! Definitely make sure to use the fire-roasted tomatoes! :)
