Easy, Smoky Vegan Bean and Lentil Chili
Fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils combine with smoky, savory spices for a stick-to-your-ribs chili.
January 22, 2024
This hearty bean and lentil, kid-friendly version of chili from the Plant-Powered Families cookbook draws on smoked paprika for a spicy essence that isn’t too hot, and features gentle warming spices such as cinnamon and a kiss of mild chili powder.
What you need:
2 tablespoons plus ¾ cup water, divided
2 cups diced onion
¾ cup diced green bell pepper
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
¾ cup diced celery
½ cup diced carrot
1¼ teaspoons salt
5 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons mild chili powder
1½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas
1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans
¾ cup red lentils, rinsed
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
2 tablespoons lime juice
Lime wedges, for serving
What you do:
- Into a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of water, onion, green and red bell pepper, celery, carrot, and salt. Stir, cover, and let cook a few minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, oregano, dry mustard, smoked paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir and cover again, cooking 4 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, kidney beans, remaining ¾ cup water, lentils, bay leaves, and molasses and stir to combine. Increase heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are softened.
- Stir in lime juice and serve warm with lime wedges.
For more plant-based recipes like this, read:
JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Shop
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
