Monday, February 25, 2013

Wintry Weather~ Low Budget~ Lentil Stew/Chili

I've only fairly recently become acquainted with Lentils ~ their flavor AND their budget-boosting value. Shocking, I know, but there it is. ;)

So, on with one of my more recent recipes that was a hit with young and old ~

Lentil Stew/Chili 
Heat
2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium-low to medium heat.
Chop and add:
1 onion,
1/2 pepper
2 large carrots

Saute' for 6-20 minutes, depending on whether you prefer to have your veggies more caramelized (my usual option when I have the time), or just softened.

When you are happy with the condition of your veggies, add the following to the pot
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 bag lentils (rinsed)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon paprika



Add
2 cups of water
Bring to boil, cook covered for 20 minutes
At this point add
1 large can of tomatoes ( or in my case tomato purée~ Can of tomatoes tossed in the blender),

1 can pumpkin

1 tub of knorr concentrated broth 

2 more cups of water
*Note: I didn't add the broth or tomatoes earlier because I have read that cooking lentils with salt inhibits softening, and we wouldn't want that, would we? (smile)

In a sauté pan brown
1 package of ground turkey (Approximately 1 lb)
(I like to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the turkey for flavor)

Add to the cooked meat to the soupy mixture along with
1 cup frozen corn

Allow to simmer for another 15-20 minutes and serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired.

If you have leftovers, they make an interesting quesadilla filling~ for another budget friendly meal! :) 




Menu-planning this week?
Monday~ Hamburgers (well, actually TurkeyBurgers, but you get the idea... The kiddos have been asking for hamburgers for a bit.... George Forman Grill... here we come! :D )
Tuesday~ Tuna Tomato casserole w/ Baked Potatoes (If we have time before dance~ fall back plan~ cold-cut wraps)
Wednesday~ Fish tacos with mango salsa (Jury duty day)
Thursday~ Lentil Stew
Friday~ Quesadillas

Blessings~







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4 comments:

  1. I'm stopping by from Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday today for a blog visit.
    The lentils look so delicious.
    This gal is always looking for recipe ideas and inspiration.
    Thanks for participating in MPM!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you try the recipe how you like it! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. ah, looks good. can't do cumin so I won't be trying it though.. :)

    annette @ A net in time (from the crew)
    http://anetintimeschooling.weebly.com/a-net-in-time-blog.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks so much for linking up with "Try a New Recipe Tuesday!" This does look perfect for these cold nights! :-) Hope you'll be able to join us again this week.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for letting me know you were here. I appreciate "thoughtful" comments. :)

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