Lentil and Vegetable Soup

1 T Olive oil

1 Medium onion chopped

2 Cloves garlic, minced

1 Cup dry green lentils, rinsed and drained

1 8 oz. package sliced mushrooms, chopped

5 carrots, thinly sliced, about 2 cups

4 Stocks celery, chopped

4 Cup water

1 14oz. container broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)

1 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Black pepper

1/2 Head napa cabbage, sliced into strips

1. In a 4-quart saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in lentils; cook for 1 minute.

2. Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, water, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, about 25 minutes or until lentils and vegetables are tender.

3. Divide among soup bowls; top with cabbage.

Makes approximately 6 servings

Vegitarian Chili

1	tablespoon vegetable oil
1	large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1	medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
4	cloves garlic, finely chopped
2	fresh poblano or serrano chiles, seeded, finely chopped
2	cans black beans, drained, rinsed
2	cans Muir Glen fire roasted or plain diced tomatoes, undrained
2	cups water
1	tablespoon chili powder, and 1 tablespoon chili carribe (if you cannot find use 2 tablespoons red chili)
2	teaspoon ground cumin
1	salt
1	cup canned or frozen sweet corn 1 ounce Tabasco sauce
	Sour cream or plain yogurt, if desired
	Shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired
	Chopped fresh cilantro, if desire

1.	In 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic and chilies (including canned); cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender.
2.	Stir in black beans, tomatoes, water, chili powder, chili carribe, cumin and salt. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in corn. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 5 minutes longer.  Add the Tabasco sauce.  The Tabasco sauce will add a lot of spice to this dish, you may want to add a little at a time until reaching your desired taste.
3.	Top each serving with remaining ingredients if desired.