Healthy Lentil Chili Recipe

A Hearty and Nutritious Delight

Are you in search of a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings? Look no further than this Healthy Lentil Chili recipe! Packed with protein-rich lentils, flavorful spices, and a variety of wholesome ingredients, this chili is sure to warm both your heart and your stomach. Let’s explore the details of this delightful recipe and learn how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions:

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing this flavorful and healthy Lentil Chili:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook the spices with the vegetables for about 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
4. Add the rinsed and drained lentils to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes (undrained), drained and rinsed kidney beans, and vegetable broth or water. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally during cooking.
6. Taste the chili and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
7. Serve the Healthy Lentil Chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices.

Tips for Success:

• Feel free to customize the chili by adding other vegetables like corn, carrots, or diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon during cooking to help thicken the texture.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Healthy Lentil Chili recipe is a fantastic option for a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty texture, rich flavors, and customizable toppings, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!