Chef AJ's Red Lentil Chili

Ingredients

• 1 pound of red lentils
• 7 cups of water, divided
• 2 14.5 ounce cans salt-free diced tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)
• 1 6 ounce can salt-free tomato paste
• 10 ounces chopped onion (approximately one large)
• 1 pound red bell pepper, (approximately 2 large)
• 3 ounces pitted dates (approximately 12 Deglet Noor or 6 Medjool)
• 8 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 4 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 Tbsp oregano
• 1 1/2 Tbsp salt-free chili powder
• 2 tsp SMOKED paprika (different than regular paprika)
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

Instructions

• Blend the dates, garlic, red bell pepper, tomatoes and one cup of the water in a blender until smooth.
• Place all remaining ingredients (including date mixture) in an Instant Pot and cook on high for 10 minutes. Let pressure release naturally or release and enjoy immediately.
• Served over a baked potato and sprinkled with some faux parmesan