Lentil Chili

No meat, no tomatoes, very different.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  medium yellow onion, diced
• 1  medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1  jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 2  celery ribs, chopped
• 1  medium carrot, chopped
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  tablespoons  packed brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2  teaspoons dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 1⁄2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 8  cups chicken broth
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
•  salt

• Toppings

•  sour cream or   Mexican crema
•  chopped fresh tomato
•  chopped green onion
•  chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Combine the first 15 ingredients in a slow cooker; cover and cook on LOW, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft, about 6-8 hours.
2. During the last hour, add the olive oil and season to taste with salt.
3. Serve the chili in bowls with toppings.