Lentil Chili

This recipe is one of our family favorites.  It fits nicely into our budget and I can make our money go farther if I use all lentils instead of the beef.  Our whole family LOVES lentil chili so I have to make a HUGE batch to satisfy everyone.  I can also make it stretch by serving it over rice, especially nice if we have company drop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients:

• 2 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 20 c. water
• 2 lb. dry lentils
• 4 tsp. salt
• 4 c. salsa
• 2-29 oz. canned tomatoes, crushed
• 2 lb. ground beef
• 2 tbsp. chili powder

1. Brown ground beef with the onion, drain.  
2. Add lentils and water. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.  
3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.

Variations:  Omit meat and double the amount of lentils for a vegetarian dish.  Serve over rice.  Top with cheese and/or sour cream.