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Red Lentil Chili

Red Lentil Chili

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  • Author: Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 5 Minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes (+Rest Time)
  • Yield: 4-5 Servings 1x
  • Category: Chili
  • Method: Instant Pot/Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Loaded with flavor, protein, and nutrients, this oil-free, low-fat Red Lentil Chili is easy to make and sure to be a fun and simple twist on a traditional chili.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red onions, fine dice
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded, fine dice
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth *
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 – [ 14 oz. can ] petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 – [ 8 oz. can ] tomato sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari *
  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • ½ to ¾ cup dry split red lentils, sorted and rinsed
  • 1 – [ 15 oz. can ] kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 – [ 15 oz. can ] black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda *

Spice/Herb Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 Tablespoons dried minced onions
  • 1 Tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon chili powder (+/-) *
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika (+/-)
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin (+/-)
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt (+/-) *
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (+/-)

Optional Toppings:

  • Avocado slices
  • Freshly chopped cilantro
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

  1. Place the Spice/Herb Ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
  2. Add all the Base Ingredients and Spice/Herb Mix, stir well to combine. Set the Instant Pot to Manual Pressure Highfor 5 minutes.  When finished, press Cancel and allow to sit for 2 minutes, then do a Quick Release.  Unplug the Instant Pot.
  3. Once all the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. Taste test the flavors and add any additional seasonings. Stir to combine.
  4. Allow at least 5 minutes for the flavors to marry. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Stove Top Instructions

  1. Place the Spice/Herb Ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
  2. In a large ceramic/enamel-lined pot or similar stock pot, add the diced onions, jalapenos, carrots and celery, sauté over medium-high heat until the veggies begin to soften, approximately 7 to 9 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning. Add a tablespoon or so of water if they start to stick and/or to prevent burning.
  3. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then add all remaining the Base Ingredients and Spice/Herb Mix, stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower to a low-boiling simmer, stir to combine. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.  Simmer for 20 to 35 minutes until the red lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the red lentils are tender, taste test the flavors and add any additional seasonings.Stir to combine, allow at least 5 minutes for the flavors to marry.  Serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

*Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Items Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Products Used.

*Sea Salt:  Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.

*Serving:  4 to 5 (makes 9 ½ cups)