Description
A vibrant plant-based twist on traditional chili, packed with protein and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 2 cans beans (15 oz each, such as black beans and kidney beans)
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (15 oz each)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt plus black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 handful cilantro (for garnish)
- + lime juice, yogurt, brown rice, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion, bell pepper, and press your garlic.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toss in rinsed lentils, drained beans, vegetable broth, and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar for depth. Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with toppings like cilantro, lime juice, yogurt, brown rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Feel free to customize the beans and spices as per your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chili, lentils, vegan, comfort food, healthy
