Lentil Chili

Dinner, Mexican

 

Lentil Chili
This plant-based favorite is so flavorful, and as zippy as you'd like it to be. It's perfect for a crowd, all year round!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Chili, Gluten-Free, Plant-based, Vegan
Servings: 6
Calories: 271kcal
Author: Chef Bill Collins

Ingredients

  • 3 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
  • 3 onions (peeled and chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (peled and minced)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 28 oz can whole tomatoes (or diced)
  • 15 oz can navy beans (or other white bean, such as Great Northern. Drained, No need to rinse)
  • 1 cup dried green lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  • Place a medium (or large) stockpot over a medium heat. When the pot is heated, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then the onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook them for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45 minutes. Turn the heat down as needed, so the onions don’t get too dark, or burn. The longer you cook the onions, the sweeter and softer they’ll be. You can do this a day ahead
  • When the onions are cooked to your liking, turn the heat back to medium and add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Add the garlic, and stir until it’s fragrant, around 30 seconds. Add the chili powder, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir until the spices are fragrant, around 30 seconds
  • Stir in the tomato paste, then add the broth and tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, break them up in the pot with a potato mashers
  • Add the beans, lentils and bay leaf. Sprinkle with salt and pepper
  • Bring to a light boil, reduce the heat, and, partially covered, simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chili has thickened a bit, and the lentils are tender. During this time, stir occasionally
  • Remove the bay leaf, and adjust the flavor to your taste, with chili powder, cumin, and salt
  • Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and scallions or chive
Nutrition Facts
Lentil Chili
Serving Size
 
6 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
271
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.5
g
3
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Sodium
 
878
mg
38
%
Potassium
 
923
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
 
48
g
16
%
Fiber
 
16
g
67
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
16
g
32
%
Vitamin A
 
624
IU
12
%
Vitamin C
 
20
mg
24
%
Calcium
 
123
mg
12
%
Iron
 
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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