Hearty Lentil and Beef Chili Pie
This Hearty Lentil and Beef Chili Pie is a wholesome dish that provides a delightful twist on a classic chili con carne. Featuring extra lean ground beef combined with protein-packed puy lentils and red kidney beans, this pie is both hearty and nutritious. The subtle warmth from red chilies melds perfectly with the rich flavors of spices and dark chocolate, while creamy mashed potatoes topped with turmeric and fresh cilantro create a beautiful contrast. Adjust the heat according to your preference to enjoy a comforting and delicious pie that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Ground beef
0.5 lb (extra lean)
Red chilies
2 (deseeded and chopped finely)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Red pepper tapenade
1 tablespoon (none)
Chopped tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (none)
Vegetable stock
0.5 pint (none)
Puy lentils
3.5 ounces (none)
Red kidney beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can (drained)
Plain dark chocolate
0.5 ounce (roughly chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and cubed)
1% low-fat milk
3 tablespoons (none)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (none)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
2
Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the extra lean ground beef. Stir continuously until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped red chilies and ground cumin, frying for an additional minute to release the flavors.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes, red pepper tapenade, vegetable stock, puy lentils, and drained kidney beans to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Once the chili has thickened, stir in the roughly chopped dark chocolate and season with salt and pepper. Adjust with additional chili powder or hot sauce if desired.
7
While the chili simmers, cook the cubed potatoes in a separate pot of boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
8
Mash the cooked potatoes with the low-fat milk, turmeric, and chopped cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9
Transfer the chili mixture into an ovenproof dish, then spread the mashed potatoes over the top, leaving some peaks for a nice texture.
10
Place the pie under a preheated grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hearty Lentil and Beef Chili Pie?
It is a wholesome dish that provides a delightful twist on a classic chili con carne, featuring extra lean ground beef, protein-packed puy lentils, and red kidney beans topped with turmeric-infused mashed potatoes.
What kind of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 0.5 lb of extra lean ground beef.
What types of legumes are included in the pie?
This chili pie includes puy lentils and red kidney beans.
Why is turmeric added to the mashed potatoes?
Turmeric is added to give the creamy mashed potatoes a beautiful yellow contrast and subtle flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
Does this chili recipe contain chocolate?
Yes, it includes 0.5 ounce of roughly chopped plain dark chocolate to enrich the flavor profile.
How long should the chili mixture simmer?
The chili should simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
The final step is to place the pie under a preheated grill for 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
How do you prepare the onion and garlic?
The onion should be finely chopped and the garlic crushed, then both are cooked in olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened.
What liquid is used for the chili base?
The base uses 0.5 pint of vegetable stock along with a 14.5 ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
How is the potato topping seasoned?
The potatoes are mashed with turmeric, chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the number of red chilies or add extra chili powder or hot sauce according to your preference.
What kind of lentils are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3.5 ounces of puy lentils.
How should the red kidney beans be prepared?
Use one 14.5 ounce can of red kidney beans that has been thoroughly drained.
What fresh herb is used in the potato topping?
Two tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro are mixed into the mashed potatoes.
What is the purpose of the red pepper tapenade?
One tablespoon of red pepper tapenade is added to provide a rich, savory depth to the chili mixture.
How do you achieve the texture on the potato topping?
When spreading the mashed potatoes over the chili, you should leave some peaks to create a textured surface that crisps up under the grill.
How should the potatoes be cut before cooking?
The potatoes should be peeled and cubed.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The cubed potatoes should be boiled for about 15 minutes or until they are tender.
What spice is added to the beef while frying?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is stirred into the beef to release its aromatic flavors.
Is there any oil used in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic.
What type of dish should I use for assembly?
You should use an ovenproof dish to hold the chili mixture and the potato topping.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and delicious pie perfect for a cozy dinner.
What type of milk is used for the potato mash?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of 1% low-fat milk.
How should the red chilies be prepared?
The red chilies should be deseeded and chopped finely before being added to the skillet.
When should the red pepper tapenade be added?
It is added to the skillet along with the tomatoes, stock, lentils, and beans before the mixture is brought to a boil.
Are salt and pepper included in the ingredients?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to season both the chili mixture and the mashed potatoes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 18 ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its hearty nature and 6-serving yield make it ideal for family gatherings.
Can this recipe be adapted for vegetarians?
While this version uses beef, the inclusion of puy lentils and kidney beans suggests it can be easily adapted for vegetarian preferences.