Burnt Aubergine Chilli Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 aubergines
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 150 g (3/4 cup) dried green lentils, rinsed
• 400 g (14oz can) kidney beans, drained
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) molasses
• 400 g (14oz can) chopped tomatoes
• 25 g (1oz) 100% dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 g (1/4 tsp) chilli powder
• 2 g (2 tsp) dried oregano
• 4 g (2 tsp) ground cumin
• 4 g (2 tsp) smoked paprika
• 2 g (1 tsp) ground coriander
• 2 g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable stock
• 1 lime, juiced
• brown rice
• avocado
• sour cream
• grated cheddar
• coriander leaves

Instructions

1. 1

   For the Burnt Aubergines: Place each eggplant on a gas hob and turn a quarter every 5 minutes. The process should take 20-30 minutes in order for the eggplants to be completely charred all over and completely cooked through. They will have a “collapsed” appearance.

2. 2

   Remove from the heat and set aside to completely cool down. Once cool enough to handle, peel off all the blackened skin until you’re left with just the flesh. (You might need to rinse off the last black bits under running water. Pat dry with a paper towel afterwards.) Chop roughly and set aside.

3. 3

   For the Vegan Chilli: Heat the oil in a large frying pan.

4. 4

   Add the onion and carrots, and fry over a medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables have softened.

5. 5

   Add the aubergine, lentils, beans, molasses, tomatoes, chocolate and all the spices.

6. 6

   Pour in the stock then stir well.

7. 7

   Bring to the boil then lower the heat to reach a slow simmering point.

8. 8

   Cover with a lid and cook for 1½ hours. Check in every now and then to stir and check the liquid level. If the chilli is looking on the dry side, add a splash of water to loosen things up.

9. 9

   Remove the lid and check the consistency of the chilli. If it’s on the watery side, continue to simmer for another 15 minutes until a thick, saucy consistency is achieved.

10. 10

    Stir in the lime juice and season to taste.

11. 11

    Serve with accompaniments of your choice. Enjoy!