the drunken onion: it's a chili post!

i say it's "a" chili post because i am currently on the hunt for a brilliant versatile chili. honestly I wasn't really sure i was going to consider this a "chili" recipe because the ingredients were not ingredients i would normally associate with being in a chili. however, this IS a chili. without a doubt. i love that it has such a hearty "meaty" bite using only grains! i think it is wonderful. I based this recipe off of a recipe from 101cookbooks, which i am in love with by the way, all of her recipes are so inventive yet basic at the same time and very adaptable to fit your diet and even the ingredients you have on hand.

1 very large onion, diced

1 shallot, diced

8 cloves garlic, minced

olive oil (of course)

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chipotle powder

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 serrano pepper, chopped

about 10 cups veggie broth

2 1/4 cups lentils, i used half brown lentils half red (or any combo)

2/3 cup bulgar

2/3 cup peral barley

2 cups soaked or cooked beans, i used a combo of black, pinto, white, and kidney.

salt and pepper

first, sauté the onion and shallot in oil until just beginning to brown. add garlic and spices. cook for about 2 minutes till fragrant. add serrano, cook another minute. add tomatoes 8 cups broth lentils, bulgar, barley, and beans. bring to a simmer. cook for about an hour until everything is tender. taste and season as you like. pretty easy.

I topped it with some sour cream and chopped fresh tomato. red onion would be nice or green onions!