Amazing Veggie Chili Without Beans

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1  1/4 cup onion, peeled 1/2" chop
• 1  1/2 cups butternut squash, peeled 1/2" chop
• 1  3/4 cup peppers, 1/2" chop - choose many colors 
• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, cleaned, 1/2" chop (8 ounces)
• 1 cup zucchini (yellow or green), 1/2" chop, from one medium
• 1  1/2 cans organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 2 1/4 cups)
• 4 teaspoons fresh garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 large chipotle chili in adobo, chopped fine (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder* (Karen's Homemade Chili Powder (see recipe)
• 1  teaspoon Italian seasonings
• 2  1/2 cups tomato sauce (I've used my Fresh Tomato Sauce (see recipe)
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup sprouted dry lentils**
• sea salt to taste

Instructions

1. Add oil to a 3 1/2 quart heavy pot ( I use an enamel coated cast iron one.) Raise heat to medium, heat oil. Add onions and butternut squash and cook stirring for 10 minutes until they are just golden around the edges and slightly softened. Add peppers, stir one minute. Add mushrooms - raise heat to high and cook until mushrooms start to color, three minutes.
2. Add zucchini, chickpeas and seasonings; garlic, chipotle chili, tomato paste, chili powder and Italian seasonings. Stir over moderate heat to combine all the flavors, about one minute. Add the tomato sauce, vegetable broth and lentils. Bring to a boil, stir well and cover. reduce heat to a bare simmer and cook for 30 minutes - stirring from time to time.
3. Test chili, make sure the lentils are fully cooked and tender. Taste for salt - not much needed. Taste for heat - add more chipotle chiles if you enjoy even spicier. Add more tomatoes sauce or vegetable broth if needed.
4. Garnishes: Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese (use a vegetable peeler) Add a dollop of Sour Cream (I added stirred Greek yogurt) Chopped Red Onion Herb Sprigs
5. To Serve: Portion into individual bowls - add cheese first, so it melts, then toppings of your choice.
6. Other Topping Ideas: Tortilla Chips or Strips Cubed Avocado Sliced Scallions Sliced Jalapeño Chiles Chopped Cilantro or Parsley Other Cheeses, such as Queso FrescoVegan Toppings: Use Cashew Cream or Coconut Cream
7. * Chili Powder: see my easy recipe, will enhance so many Mexican/South West Recipes.- or look for a salt-free fresh blend in a gourmet shop.
8. **Sprouted Lentils: Sprouting is a technique of traditional cultures that boosts the lentil's nutritional profile - increasing vitamins and micronutrients and activating digestive enzymes. See the brand you purchase for cooking times.
9. Chili Freezes well. Cover tightly and use within a few weeks.

See BLOG for many more photos and information. Also see Uses for Roasted Garlic.

This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.