~Turkey Chili~

VERY healthy chili with lots of fiber and very low in fat

1 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 1-1/2 lbs leftover turkey, cut into ½” chunks OR use ground turkey or ground chicken
21 oz diced tomatoes
1 14 oz can kidney beans, liquid included
1 14 oz can black beans, liquid included
1 T dried oregano
1 T dried basil
1-1/2 T chili powder
2 t cumin
dash cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

1) Over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft.
2) Add the turkey and cook just long enough so it’s warm.
3) Add the tomatoes, beans, oregano, basil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, Stir.
4) Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes.
5) Remove cover and let liquid reduce for 15-20 minutes.
6) If necessary, season to taste.
Serve with grated cheddar, sour cream and corn chips if you are feeling saucy. ;)

Meatless chili with lentils and an article on the health benefits of lentils

Health Benefits of Lentils

That lentils are rich sources of protein, we know. But they are also packed with an impressive array of health benefits we should really care for, instead of gobbling up multi-hued pills.

Antioxidants Lentils are one of the highest sources of antioxidants found in winter growing legumes.
Protein With over a quarter of their nutritional content made up of protein, lentils are a huge protein provider, giving the body what it needs to build new cells and repair any damaged tissues.
Diabetes Diabetics may be interested to know that the soluble fiber in lentils traps carbohydrates. This in turn slows digestion and absorption, which helps to prevent wide swings in blood sugar level throughout the day.
Cholesterol The soluble fiber in lentils also helps eliminate cholesterol, since it binds to it, reducing blood cholesterol levels. There is also evidence to prove that lentils can slow the liver’s manufacture of cholesterol, which similarly helps to reduce levels in the body.
Heart Disease The intake of dietary fiber, particularly from lentils has been known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

LENTIL CHILI

You wont be crying, "Wheres the beef?" with this delicious chili.

boil the lentils for about 5 minutes then put them in the crock pot with

1 can Tomato Sauce

1 can Tomato Paste

1 can kidney beans

1 can great northern beans

2 can (large) Bush's Chili beans

dust the whole top with chili powder and mix... then cook on high for 6 hours and dust again with powder and mix.
You can also use garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
And we serve it on a bed of Frito's corn chips with shredded cheese and sour creme.