Lentil Chili

• 2 strips of bacon diced

• 1 onion diced

• 1 green pepper seeded and diced

• 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced, or you can use jarred peppers

• 3 cloves garlic

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

• 3 cups tomato juice

• 3 cups water

• 2 cups French or Puy lentils rinsed

• 1 tbsp chocolate chips

• juice of 1 lime

• salt and pepper to taste

• 2 avocadoes diced for serving

• sour cream for serving

Fry bacon in a large pot until crisp.  Remove bacon bits and set aside.  Add onion, peppers and garlic to pan.  Sauté until softened.  Stir in tomato paste, herbs and spices.  Cook until tomato paste darkens a little.  Add lentils and liquids, bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cover pan.  Cook until lentils are tender- about 45 minutes.  Add chocolate, lime juice, bacon and season to taste. Serve garnished with avocadoes and sour cream.
 
Serves 6.