Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced medium
  • 1 green pepper, seeded, diced medium
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jalapenos, thinly sliced (seeded, if you want it less - spicy)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons mild chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried mexican oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • Several dashes fresh black pepper
  • 1/8th teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups water (plus extra as needed) - stock is an acceptable substitute
  • 1 cup dried brown lentils
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz - can)
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz - can)
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions

  1. Set your slow cooker to “sear.”Saute the onion, green pepper and jalapeno in the oil with a big pinch of salt for 5 to 7 minutes, until onion is translucent.
  2. Add the garlic, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add remaining ingredients, cover and set to slow cook for at least 8 hours. Lentils should be very tender.
  3. Taste for salt and seasoning, and thin with a little water if necessary.