I am excited to share this recipe because it will be even better with lentils grown right here

By MANDA HUDAK

A vegetarian friend asked me for the lentil chili recipe I developed as a healthy caterer in Los Angeles. I am excited to share this recipe because it will be even better with lentils grown right here in Montana, ranked No. 1 in the nation for production of field peas and lentils.

The flavor profile is the classic Mexican herb and spice combination of garlic, oregano, cumin and chilies. Lentils, seared mushrooms and eggplant are a fantastic alternative to meat, providing a meaty texture and savory flavor with the addition of Worcestershire sauce.

You can use all brown lentils or include some green lentils for additional texture as well, although they should be cooked separately as they take up to 15 to 20 minutes longer to cook than the brown variety. Another option is to include black beans, kidney beans of black eyed peas. Anyway you like it, this chili is tasty and delicious.

Lentil Chili

Cook lentils in two times their volume of water. Cover and bring to a boil then lower to a simmer until soft (20-30 minutes for brown and 40-45 minutes for green.)

• 4 oz. lentils, dried brown, rinsed
• 4 oz. lentils, dried green, rinsed

While lentils are cooking, place the following spices in sauté pan and warm over medium heat to bring up flavors.

• 1/2 tsp. cumin, ground
• 1/2 tsp. oregano, dried leaves
• 1/2 tsp. chili, dried ground chipotle
• 1/2 tsp. chili, ground
• Pinch of cinnamon

Sauté onion and pepper until soft. Add garlic to soften and then spices, being careful not to burn. Remove from pan and set aside.

• 2 oz. oil, vegetable or olive
• 1 small onion, yellow
• 1 pepper, green bell
• 1 pepper, jalapeno, minced

Sear mushrooms in hot pan for color. Once nicely brown, add Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine. Repeat the same procedure with eggplant and garlic.

• 8 oz. mushrooms, cremini, small diced
• 3.5 oz. mushrooms, shitake, small diced
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 4 oz. eggplant, small diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Add pepper/onion mixture back to eggplant.

Add the following ingredients and simmer for 30-45 minutes to blend flavors. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.

• 6 oz. beer, amber ale
• 28.5 oz. tomatoes, fire roasted, petite diced
• 2 Tbsp. hot sauce, Cholula brand
• 1 cup stock, vegetable or tomato juice

Serve with dollop of sour cream, some cilantro and a wedge of lime or a splash of red wine vinegar.

• Sour cream
• Cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges

Manda Hudak is the Savory Chef Instructor at The Culinary Institute of Montana at Flathead Valley Community College. For more information about the program, visitwww.culinaryinstituteofmt.com.