Lentil Apple Chili

I haven't posted in awhile, mostly because I got seriously out of the habit of cooking for a bit. I've been experimenting lately, however, and I decided that I needed to share some more original recipes. I got the idea of combining apples and lentils from a co-worker, and I was in the mood for spicy, so lentil chili was born.

Lentil Apple Chili

2 cups lentils
6 cups water
1 bay leaf
sea salt & black pepper (to taste; I used about 1/4 tsp of each)
1 can tomato paste
1 tbsp butter
dash of red pepper flakes (no, really)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 green apple
1 tbsp chopped ginger (I used crystalized)
1 lb ground beef
1 oz. chili seasoning (I used a brand called Simply Organic, but any packet of chili seasoning will do)

Put the lentils, bay leaf, and salt & pepper in a 2 quart sauce pan with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 20 minutes.

As the lentils are simmering, heat the butter and the red pepper flakes in a frying pan on medium heat. Add the ginger, apples, cinnamon, and a dash of black pepper. Mix well. Cook until the apples are slightly tender (about 5 minutes). Remove from the pan.

With the frying pan still on medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain the grease and remove from the pan.

Once the lentils have simmered for 20 minutes, add the chili seasonings and tomato paste. Stir until thoroughly dissolved. Add the ground beef and the apple mixture. Stir until combined. Return to a simmer and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve alone or over steamed rice.