Red Lentil Chili is what's happening TONIGHT for dinner! Quick, easy, vegan and made in one-pot!
It's not quite cold enough for me to stop making hearty stews like this protein-packed Red Lentil Chili. Soon enough, it will be so warm that'll we'll only want cool, refreshing and light recipes. Now though...it's COLD and I want some CHILI!
I've been sugar-free for 23 days now! Wow! I can't say it's been easy. So, to comfort myself (damn you, chocolate!) I've been reaching for warm and filling meals that don't even give my body the chance to say, "Hey, I could go for something sweet NOW!".
I've made this Red Lentil Chili numerous times over the past years. It doesn't take long to make. It's almost like you're cheating the whole chili process. Which is fine with me, when I've got two little, hungry boys asking when dinner is ready.
The red lentil chili finally smacked me in the face last week and I suddenly couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that I haven't shared this recipe on my blog. Then again, I just finished up the final manuscript for my Seasonal Soup Cookbook (YAY!! Trying to contain my excitement!) and of all the soups I included in the book, I didn't add this one either. Bizarre. Couldn't tell you why. I have no idea.
I mean, just look at it!
It's just begging to be shared!
Even without the toppings...
But let's be real. Chili is all about those toppings.
With this red lentil chili though, I like to keep it simple with just a dollop of vegan sour cream, some diced avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Perfection!
Now dig in! You know you want to!!
Quick Red Lentil Chili
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion diced
- Chili Pepper of choice finely diced (optional)
- 3 cloves of Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ground Cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried Oregano
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric optional
- 2 stalks Celery diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
- 4 Roma Tomatoes diced
- 1 cup dried Red Lentil rinsed
- 4 cups low sodium Vegetable Broth
- 2 cups Water
- ⅓ cup Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Kidney Beans rinsed and drained from a can or soaked and boiled
Toppings
- Vegan Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Avocado
- Chipotle Hot Sauce optional
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high heat until onions become slightly translucent.
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If you want extra heat in your chili, you can add a finely diced chili pepper now along with the garlic and spices. I usually don't add any and use a mild chili powder because I have a toddler and child eating this as well.
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Add the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder and turmeric. Cook, stirring often for 2 minutes until spices and garlic become fragrant.
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Add the celery, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Stir the vegetables together with the spices and cook for another 2 minutes before adding the red lentils, broth, water and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes until the red lentils are cooked.
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Add the kidney beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings like vegan sour cream, cilantro, avocado and extra hot sauce.
Don't forget to grab your copy of my cookbook, Awesome Vegan Soups!
The soups in my cookbook are:
- Seasonal
- Don't use weird, hard to find ingredients
- nearly all gluten-free and kid-friendly
- accompanied by a large picture
- CrAzY Delicious!!
Learn more about the cookbook ---> HERE!
If this Red Lentil Chili has too much fiber and protein in it then give my Easy Vegan Chili or Tempeh Chili a try instead ;)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
How yummy! I absolutely LOVE anything with red lentils!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Is it ever too warm for chili? This looks so good, I wish I'd seen it sooner so I had time to make chili tonight.
Dreena says
Your chili looks great - love the addition of smoked paprika, I'm rather obsessed with it!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
It's always a good night for chili isn't it? Love how healthy and easily this comes together!
SOPHIA | VEGGIES DON'T BITE says
YUM. I LOVE chili!!! This looks super flavorful!
Marly says
We love making a big ol' pot of chili and then enjoying the leftovers throughout the week. This recipe looks so good! Can't wait to try it.
Becky Striepe says
This looks so good! I'm always looking for ways to add lentils to my food arsenal, and this recipe looks like a great way to do it.
Dianne says
Congrats on the book! I have recipes that I make often but haven't though to put on my blog, too. I'm glad you finally posted this one – it looks fantastic.
Uma Srinivas says
loved this recipe, healthy and flavorful!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
This chili looks amazing! I need to run to the store and get the ingredients!
Tazim says
I've been looking for one-pot meals and this one looks super easy! I love the fresh avocado pieces on top.
Choclette says
I adore lentils and this looks like my kind of food. Warming, comforting and delicious. You've made it look beautiful too - not something I manage when it comes to chilli.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I've had dinner, but I am drooling. Seriously! It looks amazing. I love a good chilli!
Vanessa Croessmann says
Thanks Jacqueline ;) A good bowl of chili always gets me drooling too ;)
Esther says
I just found your blog and I love it, especially that your recipes are vegetarian. As I try your yummy recipes I will let you know how I did.
Esther.
Thank you
Vanessa Croessmann says
Hi Esther, Thanks for your lovely comment Esther! I can't wait to hear how you like some of my recipes ;)