Making a vegetarian chilli con carne is surprisingly simple; replacing beef or pork with grains like lentils and quinoa makes for a deliciously light, yet rich and filling meal. You might be thinking it’s not going to fool you or the meat eater in your life, but I promise when you serve it up with a spicy smoky corn salsa and all the other accompaniments, nobody will have any complaints!
2tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 stick celery, finely chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
2tsp each ground coriander and cumin
Pinch ground cinnamon
2 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
1tbsp chipotle paste
250g pack cooked puy lentils
1 x 400g tins mixed beans, drained and rinsed
soured cream and tortilla chips to serve
100g cheddar cheese, grated
Handful fresh coriander leaves