Red Lentil Chili
Try this Red Lentil Chili recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Red Lentil Chili recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 8 cups water
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 cup oats
- 1 pound red lentils
- 2 cans tomatoes (salt-free , fire roasted preferred, 14.
- 6 ounces tomato paste (salt-free)
- 10 ounces onion (chopped (approximately one large))
- 1 pound red bell pepper (pureed)
- 3 ounces dates ((approximately 12 deglet noor dates))
- 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley flakes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon salt-free seasoning
- Carbohydrate 88.0766818300202 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.43712318889496 g
- Fiber 35.8646956327468 g
- Protein 40.8809185892508 g
- Saturated Fat 0.854245349800639 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (651g)
- Sodium 50.0560070833304 mg
- Sugar 52.2119861972734 g
- Trans Fat 1.10240938657464 g
- Calories 542 calories
Step-by-step
- Blend the dates, tomatoes, red bell peppers and garlic in a blender until smooth.
- In a large soup pot, sauté the onion until translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook until lentils are creamy, about 20 minutes.
- Alternatively, place all ingredients in an Instant Pot and cook on Manual at high pressure for 10 minutes, or on low pressure for 8 hours.
- Serve over a baked sweet potato or alone with toppings of your choice. Garnish with finely chopped scallions and a sprinkling of Faux Parmesan.
Red Lentil Chili: My Go-To Comfort Food
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Red Lentil Chili has become a staple in our house, and it's surprisingly easy to make. It's packed with flavor, hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, and incredibly versatile. I can whip it up on a weeknight after a long day at the office, or I can make a big batch on the weekend and have delicious leftovers for lunches throughout the week. The best part? It's adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand, which is a lifesaver when you're juggling a million things at once.
What I love most about this chili is its versatility. Sometimes, I'll serve it over a baked sweet potato for a more complete meal. Other times, I'll keep it simple and enjoy it on its own, topped with my favorite garnishes – a sprinkle of faux parmesan cheese and some finely chopped scallions add a nice touch. The chili's rich, smoky flavor comes from the blend of spices, and the lentils provide a satisfying creaminess that I find incredibly comforting. It's a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet, and the warmth from the chili spices is just what I need on a chilly evening.
One of the things that makes this recipe so convenient is its adaptability to different cooking methods. On busy weeknights, I often use my Instant Pot for a quick and easy preparation. The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking the lentils perfectly; they come out creamy and tender every time. For a more traditional approach, I'll simmer it on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over a longer cooking time. Either way, the result is a delicious and satisfying chili that my family absolutely loves.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Red Lentil Chili is incredibly healthy. Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this a perfect meal for those looking to increase their protein intake or maintain a balanced diet. The abundance of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, and the spices provide a flavorful boost without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats. It's a meal that nourishes the body and soul – exactly what I need as a busy mom who is always on the go.
I often adapt the recipe depending on what I have in my pantry. Sometimes, I'll add a can of corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrients. Other times, I'll experiment with different spice combinations, adding a pinch of cumin or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and adjust it to your own taste preferences.
This Red Lentil Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's a warm hug in a bowl, a perfect comfort food that's both healthy and satisfying. It's a recipe I'll continue to cherish and share with others, hoping it brings them the same joy and comfort that it brings to my family. So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, give this Red Lentil Chili a try. You won't regret it!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle powder and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to vegan diets by ensuring all ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, or cilantro are all great options.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
