Lentil Chili

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
   Coupons
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tsp. chili powder
• 1 (16 oz.) bag of brown lentils
• 2 (14.5 oz.) cans no-salt diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 (32 oz.) cartons vegetable stock or chicken stock
• ⅓ cup fresh chopped cilantro
• sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
• Optional toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, croutons, tortilla chips, avocado

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper; saute the vegetables for 8 minutes or until onion is soft and lightly browned.
2. Stir in garlic and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add lentils, tomatoes, bay leaf and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
4. Transfer 3 cups of cooked chili into a food processor and process until pureed; add the pureed chili back into the remaining chili and stir to combine. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Stir in cilantro and serve.