LAMB CHILI WITH LENTILS

Lamb Chili With Lentils image

Mr. Franey brought this French-inspired variation of the American classic to The Times in 1993 his 60-Minute Gourmet column. In a nod to his country of origin, he calls for lamb instead of beef, and tiny green lentils for red kidney beans. Beyond that, you'll recognize most of the players - onions, garlic, celery, red pepper, jalapeño, cumin and chile powder. It is a sophisticated take on traditional cowboy fare. Serve it alone or over rice.

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings or more

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds lean lamb, preferably from the leg, coarsely ground or cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 cups finely chopped onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, cored, seeded and chopped fine
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons chile powder
1 teaspoon crumbled fresh oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried
2 bay leaves
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth, fresh or canned
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup dried green lentils
Sour cream for garnishing
Limes for garnishing

Steps:

Heat the oil in a large heavy pot, and add the meat. Cook over medium-high heat for three or four minutes, stirring with a heavy metal kitchen spoon to break up any lumps.
Add the onions, garlic, celery, red pepper, jalapeno pepper, cumin and chile powder, and stir to blend well. Cook until the onions are translucent.
Add the oregano, bay leaves, tomatoes and chicken broth along with 1 cup water and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Cook for 20 minutes.
Place the lentils in a saucepan with 3 cups of water, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often. Drain.
Add the lentils to the meat mixture. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove bay leaves. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, and wedges of lime if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 914, UnsaturatedFat 37 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 81 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 41 grams, Sodium 790 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams