Description
This fast and easy Lentil Chili has smoky, savory flavors without being overly spicy. Made with red lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and plenty of vegetables, it is packed with plant-based protein and makes an easy, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 cup uncooked red lentils
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable stock or broth
- 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, corn or tortilla chips, optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large saute pan with oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the heated oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until very tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and garlic and stir gently until the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the lentils, tomato sauce, and stock. Bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low-medium and cover the pan with a lid.
- Simmer the chili, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Remove the lid and give the chili a good stir about every 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking and burning.
- When the lentils are tender, stir in both types of beans and let everything simmer together until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Ladle the chili into bowls. Serve with your favorite toppings and tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use any high-heat cooking oil with a neutral flavor, such as avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil.
- If using table salt instead of kosher salt, reduce the amount by about half. If using Diamond Kosher Salt, increase the amount by about 25%.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- The lentils may take slightly longer to become tender depending on their age, so continue cooking and stirring until tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American