Vegetarian Pumpkin Lentil Chili
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsps olive oil
1 medium onion, red; chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, green; chopped
1 medium bell pepper, red; chopped
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup lentils, green, picked through and rinsed
2 14 oz cans tomatoes, diced, fire-roasted
1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can pumpkin, puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
3 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
1 1/2 tbsps chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika, smoked
1/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
1 tsp salt, fine sea
Toppings:
Tortilla chips, or cornbread
avocado, sliced
cilantro, chopped
toppings, as desired
INSTRUCTIONS
- Set a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the olive oil. When hot, add in the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until it starts to soften. Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add in both peppers and the jalapeno. Cook for another 5 minutes, until tender.
- Add in the lentils, tomatoes, both kinds of beans, the pumpkin, broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon and salt. Mix to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened up. Taste and season with additional salt as needed. Serve as desired.
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INGREDIENTS For Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. salt 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar (packed) 1 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs (room temperature) 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 ½ cups carrots (finely grated) ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) For Frosting: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 3-4 cups confectioner’s sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt INSTRUCTIONS For Cake: Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts (if using). Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool: Let the cakes cool completely in the pans (or chill them) before frosting. For Cake: Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, then mix in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Garnish: If desired, garnish with extra nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon.
INGREDIENTS 1 lb. carrots (peeled and cut into 2-3 inch sticks, or whole small carrots) 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp. dried thyme) ¼ tsp. salt ⅛ tsp. black pepper 1 Tbsp. orange juice (optional) ½ tsp. orange zest (optional) 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley (for garnish) INSTRUCTIONS Parboil the Carrots: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside. Make the Glaze: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the honey and thyme. Glaze and Caramelize: Add the carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized. Season and Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the orange juice and zest (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
