Southwest Lentil Chili
Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition and an excellent source of protein for those following a plant based lifestyle and even if you are not! In fact, lentils are often considered one of the best plant-based protein sources available. See all the reasons why after these easy & delicious lentil recipes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 can corn small can 8 oz or less or use for topping
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- chopped green onions
- diced avocado
- fresh cilantro
- sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, using a little water or vegetable broth instead of oil.
- Add the diced bell pepper and carrot to the pot and sauté for a few more minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let the chili cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped green onions, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
This chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
Fast and easy way to cook lentils for chili:
Simple Cooked Lentils for Chili
Ingredients
•1 cup dry lentils (brown or green work best)
•3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
•1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
•Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1.Rinse the Lentils
Place the lentils in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Remove any debris or stones.
2.Cook the Lentils
•In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and water (or broth).
•Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
•Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally.
3.Season (Optional)
If you’d like, add garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
4.Drain (if needed)
If there’s excess liquid, drain the lentils in a colander.
5.Add to Chili
Stir the cooked lentils directly into your chili, allowing them to absorb the chili’s flavors as it simmers.
•Pre-cooked Option: Cook a large batch of lentils and freeze them in portions for quick use in chili or other recipes.
•No Time? Use canned lentils! Just rinse and drain before adding to your chili.
Helpful Hints:
• For authentic Southwest flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
• Want more texture? Add diced zucchini or sweet potato to the chili.
• If the chili is too thick, stir in a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth or water.
• Serve with a side of baked tortilla chips or over quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal.
Time-Saving Tips:
1. Use pre-cooked or canned lentils to cut prep time.
2. Opt for frozen, diced Southwest vegetable blends (bell peppers, onions, to avoid chopping.
3. Batch-cook and freeze chili for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
4. Use a store-bought spice blend labeled “Southwest” to save time measuring individual spices.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
