Lentil Chili Pie with Corn Bread Crust

 

                This delicious, spicy vegetable chili can be made ahead, actually becoming more flavorful over two or three days. Be sure the chili is good and hot before you turn it into a deep casserole and top with the corn bread batter.

Makes 8 servings

• 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• One-eight teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) whole tomatoes, chopped, including juice
• 2 bell peppers (1 green and 1 yellow), chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 recipe Corn Bread Crust (recipe below)

1. In a Dutch oven or deep, heavy pot, cook the onion in the oil for 10 minutes over low heat ; add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, paprika, and pepper flakes.
2. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes ; stir in the chicken broth, lentils, and tomatoes.
3. Simmer 40 minutes ; add up to 1 cup water if the mixture becomes dry.
4. Add the bell peppers and celery, and simmer for 15 minutes longer (at this point the chili can be cooled and refrigerate).
5. Turn the chili into a 3-quart deep casserole (reheat firstif refrigerated).
6. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
7. Drop the Corn Bread batter by spoonfuls over the chili.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the corn bread comes out clean.

Corn Bread Crust

                This is a quick, stir-together crust that makes a soft, corn bread-like topping. It's great for an old-fashioned pot pie, chili, or chicken or turkey casserole.

Makes enough for 1 pie topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup stone-ground white or yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. Measure flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl ; blend well.
2. Stir together the egg, milk, and oil and mix into the dry ingredients just until combined.
3. Cover and chill.

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