Dinner

Gimme Some Soul

Inspired both by Brianne and Dreena, I set out to make ED&BV’s recipe for Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili tonight! It was really really good~much different than the standard “americanized” chili that’s full of meat and topped with tons of cheese~this chili had soul. The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, lime and cumin all came together to form a perfect harmony in this red lentil and sweet potato thickened stew. I would have never thought all the flavors would go together so perfectly–but they did and it was excellent. I topped mine with about 1/4th of a ripe Hass avocado and enjoyed every single bite. Mmmmmmm…..

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Of course, what’s chili without………cornbread?! No chili of mine is ever deplete of this necessary sidekick, so this afternoon, after the chili was done I threw together some cornbread fast. I researched a little online and found a really healthy, vegan recipe here. I added some cinnamon and it turned out great! I was especially excited because I got to make it in my new cast iron skillet–my first “skillet cornbread”! How’s that for seasoning?! I enjoyed a hearty slice with a smear of Earth Balance. Good thing I have plenty of slices to freeze so when I defrost the rest of this amazing chili in a few weeks, I can recreate this meal in minutes!

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I didn’t need a snack today, as lunch was so large and filling! I had a good leg workout at the gym, doing lunges, squats, calve raises and a few machines and finishing up with some ab work. My workouts are never very long, unless I’m out for a long run. Today was a typical 30 minute workout. I find I can get everything in that I need to in 30 minutes and its more of an intense circuit that way. I could never be one to spend hours at the gym!

For my snack later on, I decided to “chocolatefy” my homemade trail mix. I added about 10 semi-sweet chocolate chips to it for a sweet mid-bake treat!

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  • Katie
    March 12, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    Hey Jenna,

    I’m going to Charleston for a couple of days next week for Spring Break and was just wondering if you had any restaurant recommendations??? One of my friends wants to go to Hyman’s but other than that we’re not sure where else to go!

    Thanks!
    Katie

  • jenna
    March 12, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    Katie,

    My favorites include 5 Loaves, Magnolias, Cypress, SNOB and Hank’s………nothing against your friend but I’ve been to Hyman’s and thought it really wasn’t all that great. Its more of a tourist spot. If you want great seafood go to Hank’s because the tuna there is AMAZING! The line just to get into Hyman’s is like 2 miles long and its just standard. Def. go to 5 Loaves (on cannon street) for lunch…you won’t be disappointed! It’s my absolute FAVORITE lunch spot anywhere!

  • Courtney F
    March 12, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    Hey readers,

    I just wanted to thank LT, sperly, and nicole r. for their responses to my question on Sunday. I spent 3 hours in Barnes & Noble yesterday looking at vegetarian/vegan cookbooks and then I went to whole foods and checked out all of your suggestions. I’m so excited to try some recipes!

    If anyone else has any suggestions for a new vegetarian/semivegetarian I would greatly welcome it!

    Thanks again!

    P.S. Jenna I love your blog!

  • Romina
    March 12, 2008 at 10:04 pm

    That’s really a beautiful chili. I haven’t tried it yet, but the combination of sweet potatoes and lentils must be great. And corn bread… mmmm… I just love dunking it in chili!

  • Cara
    March 12, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    Cornbread is my favorite! I would make chili for an excuse to eat it. hahaha. I have eaten cornbread for two meals in a row…

  • VeggieGirl
    March 12, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    mmm, that Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili recipe from ED&BV IS phenomenal; and goes perfectly with the cornbread (I like the cinnamon that you added -a fun twist)!! There’s a great cornbread recipe in Veganomicon, as well :0)

    Enjoy your class tonight!!

    **Courtney F:

    did you receive my email from a few days ago?

  • Kristie
    March 12, 2008 at 11:05 pm

    Mmm that chili and cornbread meal looks SO good. And I normally don’t even like chili! The avocado on top is such a good idea too. I think I might have to try something like that soon!

  • Sarah
    March 12, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    I absolutely love corn bread! I didn’t know you could make it in a skillet like that…too cool!

  • arimcg
    March 12, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    I never thought to put avocado on top of my chili – that’s a great idea!

  • nicole r
    March 13, 2008 at 1:05 am

    you’re welcome, courtney! i’ve been vegetarian since the 8th grade and am now starting the switch over to vegan, so i have collected a few tricks over the years—especially as a destitute student sans job haha…so dont let whole foods scare you toooo much

  • jenny
    March 13, 2008 at 2:36 am

    has anybpdy tried Tasti D-lites? it is mainly in new york (but they are in florida too, jenna =]) Reading their website tells me that they are a pretty good choice for dessert. Does anyone agree?

  • Kristin
    March 13, 2008 at 2:56 am

    Speaking of chili, does anyone have Jenna’s recipe for Chipotle White Bean Chili? (Or Jenna, if you modified it enough to post) I believe she adapted it from Eat, Drink and Be Healthy- I have the book but I was wondering what her modifications were, I’m a vegetarian and I know she made it meatless!
    Thanks =)

  • Brianne
    March 13, 2008 at 3:57 am

    How good is that chili!? I looove it- I’m going to have to make more soon! And you topped it with avocado too! It adds a nice touch hey? =)

  • jenna
    March 13, 2008 at 11:53 am

    Kristin,

    I used that exact recipe from Eat, Drink and Be Healthy….I just didn’t add the chicken! It was perfect!

  • Kristin
    March 13, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    Ok, thanks- I’m definately making it this week, sounds fabulous!