Chilli Con Carne (Meat free)

This recipe is super easy and delicious. I honestly believe that not even a meat eater will believe this meal is meat free! Give it a try and let me know.

One of the main ingredients in this flavour packed dish is Lentils. In this recipe I used brown lentils from a can so simple and still packed with nutrients and flavour!

Lentils are packed full of B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and potassium. They are made up of 25% protein, which makes them an excellent meat alternative. Some amazing benefits to you health from lentils are

1. They contain polyphenols which are known to have strong antioxidant,

anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

2. They can help stop cancer cell growth!! 3. May help protect your heart

There are so many more benefits to adding lentils to your diet! Just google them and see for yourself!

What goes into Chilli Con Carne

- Corn

- Capsicum

- Tomatoes

- Vegetable stock

- Rice

- Lentils

- Parmesan

- Onion

- Spice mix (I will go into detail later)

You will need the following tools

- Knife

- Sauce pan with lid

- Wooden spoon

First we will look at what spice mix you need to use. You’ll need the following spices

1/2 tsp Cumin

1/2 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Basil

1/2 tsp Garlic salt

1/2 tsp pepper

sprinkle of chilli flakes

Mix all together in a bowl.

Ingredients

Spice mix

1 Capsicum

1 cup of uncooked rice

1 tsp Vegetable oil

2 cups Vegetable stock

3 Tomatoes

1 Can of Lentils

1 Cup of Corn

1 Onion

Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the spice mix and combine

2. Dice the onion

3. Dice the capsicum

4. Grate your tomatoes (see notes for help)

5. Heat the oil on the saucepan over a medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft approx 4 minutes

6. Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes

7. Pour in the stock, tomatoes diced capsicum and spice mix

8. Bring the mixture to boil, reduce the heat. Add the lid and simmer for 25 minutes or until rice is fully cooked.

9. Fluff the mixture with a fork and add corn and lentils. Continue to heat through.

10. Remove from heat and add to serving plate

11. Grate Parmesan cheese over the top

12. ENJOY!!
    

Notes

1. I used corn from a can you could use frozen or fresh what ever you have handy

2. I used fresh tomatoes because I had plenty that needed to be used up. You can also use canned tomatoes, preferably diced. Fresh tomatoes you just grate and discard the skin that doesn’t go through the grater.

3. Vegetable stock I used dried and added to hot water. You can use liquid stock if you prefer or it’s simply what you have.

4. I recommend Basmati rice however other options will work just fine. Just adjust your cooking time according to packet instructions.

5. Canned brown lentils were used they are just so much easier!

6. Leave out the chilli flakes if you don’t like heat

7. Any Colour capsicum will work I used yellow. Yellow or red would be the better options.

8. Use any oil you have available in your pantry. Olive oil will work also.

9. Grate as much Parmesan as desired trust me it’s delicious!