Sheena’s Recipe For Bear Chili

Bear Linguica and Lentil Bean Chili
serves 6

Saute:
2 TBSP olive or grapeseed oil
1 white or yellow onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic

Once onion is a bit translucent, add:
1-2 bay leaves
1 TBSP chili powder
1 Tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tsp cumin
(If not using linguica sausage, spice quantities may need to be increased and add either Mexican or adobo seasonings).

Stir until fragrant and add:
2-3 large beefsteak tomatoes or 6-8 Roma tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and quartered
(If not using fresh tomatoes, this can be substituted with 2 8oz cans of diced stewed tomatoes).

Simmer on low for 5-10 min.  Use a potato masher to break up chunks of tomato.  Add:
Meat from 4 bear linguica sausages, uncooked and without casings

Break up the meat as it cooks using the potato masher or spatula.  Stir every few minutes to evenly cook the meat.  Continue simmering on low and add:
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup sprouted lentils
(If not using sprouted lentils, cook lentil beans as directed until almost soft and add to chili at this point, after draining any remaining cooking water).

Cook until desired consistency is reached and serve with:
Sharp cheddar, shredded
Sour cream
Restaurant style tortilla chips