Description
This heart-healthy vegetarian lentil and bean medley chili is the perfect example of a tasty and healthy recipe. With a variety of vegetables and plant-based protein, it’s packed with nutrients that will nourish your body and keep you feeling full and satiated. Plus, the combination of spices and herbs adds depth and complexity to the flavor, making it a dish that you will truly enjoy cooking and eating. And, with its easy-to-make recipe, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious and healthy, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 3 cans (15 oz. each) bean medley
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup dry red lentils
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Topings
- sour cream
- grated cheese
- avocado slices
- tortilla chips
- tortillas
- cilantro
Serve with cooked rice or cooked quinoa.
Instructions
- Cook the onion and garlic in coconut oil until the onion is translucent (5-10 minutes). Stir often.
- Add the bell pepper, carrots and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the bean medley, diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes.
- Stir in the lentils, sea salt, chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Bring everything to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, covered, until the veggies are cooked. Between 45 and 60 minutes. This time will vary, depending on how big your veggie pieces are. Stir occasionally.
- Taste to check if the veggies are cooked and if more spices are needed.
- Remove from heat.
- Serve with cooked rice or cooked quinoa. Add your favourite toppings.
- Serve warm or hot.
- Enjoy!
Notes
I like my vegetarian lentil chili to be packed with veggies and to have a thick consistency. If you prefer it thinner, add 1-2 cups of vegetable broth.
If you’d like to add meat (ground beef for example) to this dish, add it between steps 1 and 2. Or, you could cook the meat separately and add it to your bowl right before eating.
I love these stackable meal prep containers. They are made of glass and are microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher safe. Perfect for this chili!