Easy Lentil Chili Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 2 hours
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Description:
This easy lentil chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The recipe yields approximately 14 cups, making it great for leftovers or feeding a crowd. Adjust the spice level to your preference, as crushed red pepper flakes can vary in heat. Feel free to customize this chili with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups lentils
- 7 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onions
- 5-6 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
Instructions:
- Prepare Lentils: In a Dutch oven, combine lentils and 7 cups of water.
- Simmer Lentils: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Aromatics: Peel and chop the onions. Peel and mince the garlic, and place them in a small bowl along with all the spices.
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and saute for an additional minute, then add the spice mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in 2 cups of water with the onions and spices. Add this onion mixture to the lentils in the Dutch oven.
- Cook Chili: Partially cover the Dutch oven and continue to cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
- Final Touch: Add red wine vinegar and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
Serve this delicious lentil chili hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal! Any leftovers can be reheated, and if the chili is too thick, simply add a little water when reheating.
🍽️ Yield: Approximately 14 cups of chili.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 93
- Fat: 1.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 372.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.5g
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Protein: 5.8g
This easy lentil chili is not only delicious but also packed with fiber and protein, making it a nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the flavors of this comforting dish and savor every spoonful!
