Best 4 Delicious Lentil Chili Recipes

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**Aromatic Lentil Chili: A Vegan Delight with a Burst of Flavors**

Indulge in the tantalizing world of plant-based cuisine with our delectable Lentil Chili, a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. This hearty and wholesome dish is not only incredibly delicious but also packed with an array of nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. With its rich tomato base, tender lentils, and an explosion of spices, our Lentil Chili is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy gatherings or a quick and satisfying meal.

**The Versatile Lentil Chili: Three Unique Recipes to Suit Every Palate**

Our article presents not just one, but three extraordinary Lentil Chili recipes, each with its own distinct character. Explore the classic Lentil Chili, a timeless recipe that showcases the harmonious blend of lentils, tomatoes, and a carefully curated selection of spices. For those who crave a touch of heat, the Spicy Lentil Chili is sure to ignite your senses with its fiery kick. And for a smoky and robust variation, the Chipotle Lentil Chili is an absolute must-try, its deep flavors sure to leave a lasting impression.

**Unleash the Goodness of Lentils: A Nutritional Powerhouse**

Lentils, the heart of our Lentil Chili, are not just delicious but also nutritional powerhouses. Bursting with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, lentils contribute significantly to a healthy and balanced diet. Their low glycemic index makes them an excellent choice for individuals managing blood sugar levels, while their high fiber content promotes digestive health and satiety.

**Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot - The Choice is Yours**

We understand that convenience is key in today's fast-paced world. That's why our Lentil Chili recipes offer multiple cooking methods to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you prefer the traditional stovetop method, the ease of a slow cooker, or the quick and efficient Instant Pot, you can create this culinary masterpiece using your preferred cooking technique.

**Additional Tips for an Unforgettable Lentil Chili Experience**

To elevate your Lentil Chili to the next level, consider these culinary tips:

- Experiment with different types of lentils: Explore the distinct textures and flavors of various lentil varieties, such as brown, green, or red lentils.
- Add a touch of sweetness: A hint of sweetness can balance the tangy and spicy elements. Consider adding a tablespoon of honey, brown sugar, or even a grated apple.
- Top it off with your favorites: Personalize your Lentil Chili by adding your favorite toppings. Diced avocado, shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can transform it into a fully loaded masterpiece.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BEEF AND LENTIL CHILI



Beef and Lentil Chili image

Lentils were one of the crops on my dad's farm when we were growing up, and they're the best-kept secret in this delicious chili recipe. This dish is great for a large family meal and also freezes well. Everyone who asks for this recipe is amazed at how simple it is. -Cindy Agee, Lewiston, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 2-1/2 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
2 cups water

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion, crumbling meat, over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add lentils and water. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are soft, about 1 hour, stirring often. Add water if mixture seems too dry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

HEALTHY LENTIL CHILI



Healthy Lentil Chili image

This hearty vegetarian chili is both nutritious and satisfying, thanks to the protein-packed navy beans and brown lentils. We added a generous dose of dried spices and other pantry staples to boost the flavor and make this dish accessible for any night of the week.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Two 14.5-ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
One 15-ounce can navy beans or another small white bean (do not drain)
1 cup dried brown lentils
1 dried bay leaf
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Shredded reduced-fat Cheddar, plain yogurt, pickled jalapenos and crushed tortilla chips, for serving (all are optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook until vegetables are just tender and browned in spots, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, oregano and cumin, then continue to cook until fragrant and brick-red in color, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, beans (and their liquid), lentils, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of black pepper. Bring to a steady simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover with a lid and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened slightly, 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaf and stir in the vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings as desired.

DELICIOUS LENTIL CHILI



Delicious Lentil Chili image

A rich savory vegetarian chili that's easy to make and smells wonderful. High in fiber and low in fat. It even looks like meaty chili (see pic!). Serve topped with cheese, onions and sour cream with cornbread or chips for a satisfying meal!

Provided by SaraFish

Categories     Lentil

Time 1h5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb dry lentils
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups water
1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup cold water

Steps:

  • Boil water.
  • Add salt and lentils.
  • Cover and cook over low heat 30 minutes.
  • Do not drain.
  • Add tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion, celery, garlic and cold water.
  • Cover and continue to cook over low heat for an additional 30 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  • Turn off heat, taste for seasoning.
  • I add about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
  • Top with shredded cheese, chopped onion and a dollop of sour cream or whatever you usually put on your favorite chili!

LENTIL-BEEF CHILI



Lentil-Beef Chili image

Provided by Nancy Faulkner Wiersum

Categories     Soup/Stew     Beef     Tomato     Sauté     Lentil     Bon Appétit     Illinois

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
8 ounces lentils
2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried marjoram, crumbled
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
2 teaspoons dried basil, crumbled
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan
Sour Cream

Steps:

  • Heat heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until beef is brown, crumbling with fork, about 5 minutes. Drain well. Heat oil in heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium-high. Add onion and next 5 ingredients. Sauté until onion is tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Add beef, lentils and next 8 ingredients to saucepan. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours. Stir in Parmesan. Simmer, uncovered, until mixture is thick, about 15 minutes. Serve, passing sour cream separately.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of lentils. This will give your chili a more complex flavor and texture. Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein.
  • Don't overcook the lentils. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
  • Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the chili. This will help them to caramelize and develop more flavor.
  • Use a good quality chili powder. This is the spice that will give your chili its characteristic flavor.
  • Add a little bit of dark chocolate to the chili. This will help to balance out the flavors and add a touch of richness.
  • Serve the chili with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Conclusion:

Lentil chili is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is packed with protein and fiber, and it can be easily customized to your own liking. Whether you like your chili mild or spicy, thick or thin, there is a lentil chili recipe out there for you.

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