Sometimes I find myself giggling at how fast and easy it is to make dinner using the slow cooker. You just put everything in turn it on and go! It’s that simple. I know, I know. It’s the best kitchen device ever invented! Next to a spoon. Otherwise, how would we eat our peanut butter???
I told my brother I would help him with his school work in a second, I just had to make dinner first. He raised an eyebrow, confused. “Isn’t that going to take forever?” he asked.
I then came back with, “To quote hamlet, act III, scene III, line 92,… no!”
All I had to do was chop the carrots, and garlic (I was out of the jarred stuff), and the onion. Mix it all together with the other ingredients in a pot and turn it on!
Just like that, you have one less problem to worry about. BOOM! Like some sort of demon magic…but good?
Never mind the fact that my mind went there…
Anyways, on a more sane note, I will definitely be making this Slow Cooker Lentil Black Bean Chili this fall and winter a lot! With all the fall activities and the hustle and bustle of December, this recipe will come in handy a lot.
I can’t believe I really just said bustle….
Next time I think I’ll add some kale. Or maybe I’ll finely mince it so they don’t know. 😛 This recipe is already very healthy, but it couldn’t hurt to make it more so. I’m going to have to figure out some more variations. If y’all have any ideas I would love to hear them!
Here’s the fantabulous recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. bag dry lentils
- 1/2 small bag dry black beans (or 2 cans black beans)
- 2 medium onions (diced)
- 3-4 large carrots (chopped)
- 2 (15 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. jarred minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- 10 cups hot water (tap or boiled)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp salt (to taste)*
- 1 tsp. black pepper (to taste)*
- *Added at the end of cooking
Instructions:
- Rinse lentils and black beans. Discard any small pebbles or bad beans. Put them in the slow cooker. Add the diced onions, chopped carrots, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, chili powder, parsley, and HOT water to the slow cooker. It will be full so don't add to much of anything or it wont fit.
- Cover, and cook on HIGH for 6 hours. No peeking, and no stirring.
- Remove the lid, and add the salt and pepper to taste. Eat it by itself or with your favorite homemade bread.
- this can store in the fridge for 1 week, or in the freezer for 4 months.
Hi, stopping by from Inspiration Spotlight. I love black beans and lentils and love love love my slow cooker! Will give this one a try, thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you posted this recipe! I have been looking for recipes that use dry beans in the slow cooker (I wasn’t sure it was possible), but I found nothing. I found a couple saying it couldn’t be done, but my gut kept saying “but why not?” Now that you shared this recipe, including cooking time and temperature, I can finally give it a try. Thanks so much! And as for variations, maybe some butternut squash chunks for some seasonal goodness.
This looks very nice! My husband loves black beans, and I like meals that I don’t have to spend too long on! Thanks for sharing – I know I’ll be trying this chili soon. Visiting from the Pin Junkie!
Yum! This looks so good and I can’t wait to try it. It’s going to be getting much cooler next week and this would be perfect!
Thanks for this recipe. Looks delish. I love lentils and black beans. Thought you might like a couple of my favorite bean recipes and one is in the slow cooker. It’s amazing, actually they both are.
http://www.homeecathome.com/the-home-economist/cuban-black-beans
http://www.homeecathome.com/the-home-economist/slow-cooker-butter-bean-soup
Maria, this looks like a great weeknight meal! Definitely trying this very soon! Thanks so much for sharing!
This sounds delicious! I’m always looking for easy, great tasting soups for the fall and winter months. Thanks for sharing with Motivational Monday!
Yum! I love slow cooker meals, I can throw them on before work and chow down when I get home. This one looks particularly yummy! Great for the cooling weather. Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday!
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I’m always up for a slow cooker recipe and I love that yours uses dry lentils and beans! Thank you for sharing at the Merry Monday Link party!
Sounds delicious. Pinning! Thanks for sharing at the party this week @DearCreatives Theresa
I, too, am in LOVE with my crockpot! My family love lentils and black beans so I will be making this soon. Thanks so much for sharing with the Saturday Soiree Blog Party!
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Has all of my favorites…I bet this is good! Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks for sharing your post at Motivation Monday! You’re featured at this week’s party!
Sounds so comforting. I’m sticking this on my menu for the week. 🙂
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How many servings is this supposed to make? It’s a ton!
It makes 6 quarts or 24 one cup servings. This is a great recipe to freeze for later use.
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Whoops, I didn’t read and added the salt and pepper before cooking, I hope it turns out okay! >.>