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1
To prepare chili, heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a deep, wide pan with a lid.
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2
Add onions, garlic and bell peppers, and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
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3
Stir in red pepper flakes, coriander, cumin and cardamom pods.
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4
Stir in lentils.
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5
Add chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, ketchup, tomato paste, cocoa and 3 cups water.
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6
Stir well.
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7
Cover, and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture is thickened and beans are tender, about 45 minutes.
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8
Chili can be made ahead to this point and topping added later.
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9
(In that case, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before proceeding.)
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10
For corn bread topping, heat oven to 425 degrees.
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11
In a mixing bowl, combine salt, cornmeal, flour, baking powder and cinnamon.
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12
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, honey and oil.
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13
Pour liquid ingredients into dry; stir until combined.
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14
Pour chili into a baking dish 13 by 9 by 3 inches.
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15
Spread corn bread topping evenly over chili, and sprinkle cheese on topping.
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16
Bake until topping has risen and turned golden brown, about 25 minutes.
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17
Remove from oven, and let chili stand about 5 minutes.
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18
To serve, cut into squares, and pass sour cream and cilantro at the table.