Recipe: Green Lentil and Vegetable Chilli

Made this very tasty chilli for my family last weekend- went down a storm! Dad had thirds, lol! Made it as it's very healthy, for part of my new diet/ healthy eating regime. I'm basically at the gymn 5 days a week, and i'm living mostly off soups, salad, wholegrain cereal, fruit- and then a balanced healthy evening meal. Got to be a good mix of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables- which is what this is. Was doing really well on this diet until yesterday- when my boyfriend suggested we go and get a Toby Carvery- what a disaster! Almost 5 pounds gained back just from 1 day! Just not fair really. This dish is also quite nice with a bit of soft goats cheese crumbled on top.

Green Lentil and Veg Chilli (serves 4)

2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 celery sticks, diced
1 red chilli, finely diced
Big handful fresh coriander, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
250g chestnut mushrooms, diced
1 courgette, diced
1 pepper, diced
250g green lentils
1 litre vegetable stock
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tsp marmite
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt, sugar and pepper to taste
Coriander for garnish

1. Sautee the onion, garlic, celery, chilli and coriander in the olive oil for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, courgettes, pepper and carrots and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add all the other ingredients and cook covered, on a medium heat, for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove the lid, and cook on a high heat for about 5-10 minutes- or until thickened. Season to taste, and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve!