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
- Place the Spice/Herb Ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
- 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.
- Once all the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. 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.
Stove Top Instructions
- Place the Spice/Herb Ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)