Monday 15 April 2013

FEED ME MONDAYS - The 'Chili NON Carne' Edition

Found here.

Why oh why is this crazy woman saying 'thank God it's Monday'?! Has she gone completely bonkers? It's Monday, not Friday! The start of another working week; the daily grind; the ole mealticket maker... But I'm here to challenge your preconceived notions of what a 'Monday' is and replace them with all the fabulous things that a Monday can bring you -

+ a fresh start
+ a chance to set your intentions and goals for the week
+ a blank canvas to work upon
+ a new episode of My Kitchen Rules (... seriously)
+ a whole week to plan your active and social lil weekend!

and most importantly Mondays bring you the very best thing of all

+ a new recipe to try out brought to you by yours truly

With David having flown out for a short (but annoying none-the-less) stint of work up north, I was free to play around in the kitchen to my hearts content and be my very own 'rawesome' guinea pig. I have been experimenting more and more with raw dishes. Raw desserts are beautiful, simple and satisfying but there are only so many raw carrot cake balls and cacao brownies you can make before you start to crave a little somethin' more. Raw savoury dishes are where it's at. An abundance of vegetables in their most pure and natural states, bursting with nutrients and enzymes and minerals, alkalinising and detoxifying your body and leaving your tastebuds doing a gyrating happy dance - what's not to love!? 

I love chili con carne. On a baked potato; on rice; with corn chips; on its own... I freakin' love it. BUT I haven't eaten it in probably about 18 months now (mama bear made it best and it's been almost a year and a half since I left the nest!) because as I wise up and have learnt to really read labels and watch out for nasties - I realise that this humble dish isn't really boasting all that many benefits to my body and health. Not necessarily detrimental but there's room for improvement. 

If you're a meat lover and can't stomach the thought of a bowl of chilli without mince - go for it. But look for grass fed, NON factory farmed, lean beef mince (or whatever mince you prefer); swap packet sauces and flavoured packets for the real deal with fresh or canned organic tomatoes, 100% ground chilli powder, fresh onions, fresh or organic tinned beans and a whole lot o' love as you store that pot of goodness!

For my vege loving amigos who are happy to have a midweek dinner sans meat - you are in for a treat my lovers. This dish is vegan, raw and pee-my-pants delicious. Not for the faint hearted as it definitely packs a punch, if you have a sensitive tummy or aren't a chili lover I would advise at least halving the *suggested quantity!

Raw Chili NON Carne
Serves 4

1 cup green lentils, soaked overnight, rinsed and drained
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
4 large carrots, diced
2 cups mushrooms, diced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons nama shoyu or gluten free soy
2 tablespoons Raw Vegan Coconut Crystals 
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 dates
4 medium ripe tomatoes
2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chili powder*
1 tablespoons coconut crystals
Himalayan salt
1 tomato, diced

In a large bowl, stir together diced carrots, onions, and mushrooms. 
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, nama shoyu, and coconut crystals. 
Pour over carrot mixture and let sit at least an hour to marinate.
To make the chili sauce, in high speed blender, blend sundried tomatoes, olive oil, dates, tomatoes, raw apple cider vinegar chili powder and coconut crystals until smooth.  
Add lentils to veggie mixture, pour chili sauce over veggie/lentil mixture and stir. Add a dash of Himalayan salt to taste and top with diced fresh tomato, if desired. 

World Rocked? YOU.ARE.WELCOME.

Happy Monday my darlings. Grab it by the balls and make it yours! 'Everything you can imagine the universe can deliver'.

Blessings from my Monday and chili loving self x

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