Recipe: Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

Fall is finally here! Soups, chili, warm mugs of yumminess. Aaaaaah. 

Here is a quick and easy meal to throw together in the slow cooker and come home to lovely smells and dinner ready......

Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

serves 8
cook time: 6 hours


1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C dried lentils, rinsed
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
6C water or veggie broth
3T chili powder
2T cumin
1t oregano
salt, pepper & cayenne to taste
1T balsamic vinegar
1T honey
sour cream and green onions, sliced for garnish

-place first 5 ingredients in slow cooker in order listed
-cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or until lentils are almost tender
-add dry spices to chili and stir
-continue to cook for 1 more hour or until lentils are tender
-adjust seasoning with salt, pepper & cayenne
-add vinegar and honey and let sit about 10 minutes to incorporate flavors
-garnish with green onions and sour cream, if desired

Meat Eater Versions:

add any of the following proteins and reduce lentils by 1/2
    -1.5# boneless leg of lamb , cut into 1 inch cubes
    -1.5# beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes