Description
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili made with lentils and beans. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights and adaptable to your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for complexity)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional, a secret for depth)
- A bay leaf (optional, but adds subtle aroma)
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to a minute, stirring constantly.
- 3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir in tomato paste if using.
- 4. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans, and the rinsed lentils.
- 5. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water). Add optional cocoa powder, cinnamon, and bay leaf.
- 6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until lentils are tender and chili has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- 7. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: Approx. 350-400
- Sugar: Approx. 10-15g
- Sodium: Varies based on canned goods, approx. 400-700mg (lower with low-sodium options)
- Fat: Approx. 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 60-70g
- Fiber: Approx. 15-20g
- Protein: Approx. 18-20g