Chili sin Carne

Adjusted from Minimalist Baker | Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

Chili spice mix

• 1 - 2 Tbsp mild chili powder
• 2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp oregano
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cocoa (unsweetened)

Chili sin Carne

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bellpepper, diced
• 1 large zucchini, diced
• 1 red chili, seeds removed  & finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 200 m 1 red wine
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (as needed)
• 1,5 cups red lentils
• 1 can (400g) kidney beans
• 1 can (400g) black or borlotti beans
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup corn
• 20g dark chocolate (70%)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Crème fraiche (optional)
• Avocado, diced (optional)
• Tortilla chips or rice (optional)

Method

1. Make the Chili spice mix by adding all the spices all to a small bown. Stir.
2. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, onion, bellpepper and zucchini. Season with a healthy pinch each salt and pepper and stir. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the finely chopped red chili, garlic, 2/3 of the chili spice mix, and the tomato paste, sauté for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze with the red wine, and let it simmer until reduced by half (2-5 minutes).
5. Add diced tomatoes and 1 cup of broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil over medium high heat.
6. Once boiling, add lentils and reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the lentils are mostly tender. As it’s cooking you may need to add more broth if the mixture is looking too dry and the lentils aren’t submerged.
7. Next add the beans, the corn, and the remaining chili spice mix and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. After 5 - 10 minutes of simmering, add the dark chocolate and the sugar. Stir until both are melted.  Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more chili powder or cumin to taste. If the chili is too thick to your liking, you can add some more water or broth.
9. Serve garnished with cilantro, crème fraiche and diced avocado (optional).