This 1-pot lentil chili is so nutritious, satiating and spicy so it's perfect for beat the heat or to keep you warm. We serve it with some rice and veggies.
Cities are empty in August in Spain because it's so hot outside and people are enjoying their holidays, but we're here in Seville (which has extreme temperature just in case you don't know) working in August. We're happy though because we're working on a big project, we went on vacation last June to Italy and when we finish what we have on hands (probably next month) we'll be able to travel to some beautiful place and take a break.
We make soups and stews all year long, even during the summer because we love them and also because legumes are so healthy and nutritious. I know we could make legume salads or other cold dishes, but we make both (hot and cold dishes). Besides, spicy food is a great way to beat the heat.
We usually serve the lentil chili with some rice (brown rice is better, but any kind will do) and a salad, a refreshing gazpacho or some steamed, sautéed or roasted veggies.
If you like this 1-pot lentil chili, check out these lentil recipes: vegan lentil curry, lentil bolognese, lentil salad, and vegan sloppy joes.
Looking for more vegan soup and stew recipes? Try my Vegan Chili, Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, Vegan Beef Stew, Vegan Red Lentil Soup, or Vegan Split Pea Soup. Enjoy a satisfying and wholesome plant-based meal!
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1-Pot Lentil Chili
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ onion
- ½ red bell pepper
- ½ green bell pepper
- 2 14- ounce cans chopped tomatoes, 800 g
- 1 cup dry brown lentils, 195 g
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth, 1 liter
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, 130 g
- 2 tablespoon tahini, or extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the veggies and add them to a large pot. You can sauté them in some oil, but it's not necessary.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, lentils and water or broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spices, stir and cook over medium-high heat for about 35 minutes.
- When the lentils are almost cooked, add the corn kernels, stir and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add the tahini (or the oil) and stir.
- We served our chili with some lime, chopped fresh parsley, chopped red onion and some vegan cream cheese.
- Store the lentil chili in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use your favorite veggies (fresh, frozen or canned) and spices.
- Fresh tomatoes are also a great choice and you can use tomato sauce as well.
- Depending on the type of lentils you're using the amount of water or broth and the cooking time may vary. Feel free to soak your lentils overnight or use canned lentils to reduce the cooking time or even use other dry or canned legumes.
Kumat says
This recipe has turned out amazing and has become one of my favourites. I accidently added pre-cooked lentils besides dry ones once and it came out really nice and creamy.
Iosune says
Hi Kumat! Thanks a lot 🙂
Sue says
Can this be frozen?
Iosune says
Hi Sue! Yes, it can 🙂
Rachelle says
Delicious! Absolutely loved this, the carnivore husband cooked AND enjoyed!
Does this freeze well?
Iosune says
Hi Rachelle! I'm so happy to hear that 🙂 Yes, this is freezable.
Danielle says
Made to recipe, but added a can of 6 bean mix. I think I should have added some extra spices, turned out a little bland. Turned out nicely either way! 🙂
Iosune says
Hi Danielle! So glad you liked it anyways 🙂
Lawrence says
Another excellent recipe from Iosune & Alberto,
So quick, easy and delicious. We find dishes like lentils and other type of stews, chilis and soups to be great for multiple meals during the week. I will make it for dinner but it keeps for a few days for lunches and snacks as well.
Your site is the best and we are very grateful to have found it.
Merci beaucoup amigos,
Lawrence
Iosune says
Hi Lawrence! Thanks a lot 🙂 You made my day with your kind words. Have a beautiful day!
ash says
Do you think this would freeze okay? 🙂
Iosune says
Hi Ash! I think so 🙂 Have a nice day!
Betzy Comiskey says
I love this recipe! It is a very very cold day and this wonderful lentil chili warmed us up perfectly. Simple ingredients and so easy to make. Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Betzy! Thanks a lot 😀 So glad you liked it!
Susan says
I'll be doing these great thankyou
Iosune says
Hi Susan! Hope you liked it 🙂
Stacey says
Do you think this would work well in a crock pot? If so, what would the settings and time be in a crock pot? (I am in need of some good crock pot recipes).
Iosune says
Hi Stacey! I've never tried a crock pot myself. I think it should work, but I don't know how to make it, sorry!
Sharla Keen-Mills says
Just wanted to thank you for all of your hard work! I look forward to your emails every week. I will be trying this recipe soon. It's hot here in the Ozarks too.
Iosune says
Hi Sharla! Thank YOU so much for your kind words, you made me so happy! Hope you enjoy this recipe 🙂