Comforting Sweet Potato & Lentil Chili


During the winter months, one of my favorite recipes to make is lentil chili. This chili has a different twist from a recipe I found on Pinterest with sweet potatoes because I add in some kale and avocado slices for extra protein and flavor. Plus, I like my food to have flavor and sometimes there is an urge to shake more salt over that delicious looking dish, but backing your hand away from the salt shaker (seriously, back away from the salt.... lol), try using more spices for flavor!

Okay, like I said, this chili has no meat! (Nor dairy..yes, it is vegan!) I made the switch to vegan about 4 years ago to live healthier and cook better food but it has been a learning process. I would still like to learn more vegan recipes so if any has some to share, please leave a message or comment below!

Sometimes my sisters can be skeptical of what I put together because they still enjoy meats and dairies since what I cook is very different for them. However, sometimes I catch them when my back is turned eating the food out the pot!

Three rules to remember that motivate me to continue to eat vegan is to love yourself, get creative, and spice that chili (in place of salt!).


Ingredients



1/2 lb. of lentils
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 avocado, sliced lengthwise
1 large sweet potato, chopped
2-3 cups of chopped kale
2 tsp of salt
4 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
2 tsp brown sugar
8 oz. can of tomato sauce or paste
6-7 cups of water



Instructions

1. Cook onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil to soften and add the water and then the lentils. Bring to a boil and then mix in chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and can of tomato sauce after. Let this cook on medium heat to simmer for about 45 minutes.                                                       2. Now, mix in the salt and sweet potatoes for 10 minutes and later the kale for the last 2-5 minutes. Place the sliced avocados over your served chili in bowls & enjoy!!

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