Hearty Lentil Chili

Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Lentil Chili, a robust and nutritious vegetarian dish packed with plant-based protein and bold, smoky flavors. This wholesome recipe combines tender lentils, kidney beans, and black beans with a vibrant medley of diced tomatoes, carrots, red bell pepper, and celery for a satisfying texture and depth. Infused with a tantalizing blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne, this chili offers the perfect balance of spice and warmth. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a one-pot wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Serve it steaming hot with crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to elevate every bite. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply craving something hearty and comforting, this protein-rich Lentil Chili is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cans canned diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pot and stir well.

Step 5

Mix in the lentils, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes.

Step 7

After 25 minutes, stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3570.7 grams (3570.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2072

Total Fat 44.30g	57%
Saturated Fat 7.50g	38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7538mg	328%
Total Carbohydrate 335.70g	122%
Dietary Fiber 103.30g	369%
Total Sugars 71.00g
Protein 101.20g	202%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 881mg	68%
Iron 41mg	226%
Potassium 8657mg	184%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.6%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 62.6%