Name: Healthy Lentil Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion (chopped); 1 large red bell pepper (chopped); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 4 teaspoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 pound bag of brown lentils (about 2 1/4 cups); 2 cans diced tomatoes with the juice (14.5 ounce, fire-roasted if you can find them); 6-8 cups vegetable stock; ⅓ cup fresh chopped cilantro; Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste); Optional toppings: tortilla chips (avocado, hot sauce, jalapeños)

ThisHealthy Lentil Chili recipeis packed full of whole foods, plant-based proteins, and flavor. You won’t even miss the meat! Lentil chili is a hearty vegan/vegetarian recipe, and perfect for a cold winter day.

bowl of lentil chili with fresh sliced jalapeño on top and a spoon inside.

Dry beans, lentils, chickpeas, and yellow and green split peas are the types of pulses that I most commonly use and eat, but pulses include all kinds of things that I had never heard of before, like cowpeas, Bambara beans, and lupins (Harry Potter anyone?!). When I think about meatless meals, I often try to include a pulse in the mix because I know they are a great source of plant-based protein.

This lentil chili is an awesome example of a healthy whole food protein-packed meatless meal. It is delicious! Plus, it’s full of fiber and really keeps you full. Add it to yourmeal planfor next week!

bowl of lentil chili with fresh sliced jalapeño on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with whole foods and plant-based proteins for a nutritious meal.
Bursting with flavor, satisfying even for meat lovers.
Perfect for a cold winter day, warm and hearty.

Recipe Ingredients

portion bowls each with digitally labeled raw ingredients to make healthy lentil chili.

Olive oil
Onion
Bell pepper
Garlic
Brown lentils
Diced tomatoes
Vegetable stock
Cilantro
Optional toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, hot sauce, jalapeños

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Lentil Chili

Step #1.Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and spices; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step #2.Add diced tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable stock, and lentils. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low, covered, until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes, stirring often.

Step #3.Blend a few cups of the cooked mixture and return to the pot. Adjust thickness with additional stock if needed. Taste, adjust seasonings, stir in cilantro, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

How do I get my chili to the right consistency?

Start by adding 6 cups of vegetable stock and see how things go. If it’s looking a bit thick during the cooking process, add a little more. If it’s a bit thick once you have added your blended lentils, add a bit more. Lentils cook differently depending on their age (which you don’t have a lot of control over most of the time). And your preference on the thickness of the chili will be different than mine. Feel free to add more liquid to your liking.

What is a pulse?

According to USA Pulses, “Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Pulses grow in pods and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Pulses are annual crops that yield between one and 12 grains or seeds. The term “pulses” is limited to crops harvested solely as dry grains, which differentiates them from other vegetable crops that are harvested while still green. Pulses are healthy, nutritious and easy to cook with. Growing pulses also promotes sustainable agriculture, as pulse crops help decrease greenhouse gases, increase soil health, and use less water than other crops. Pulses are a low-fat source of protein with high levels of protein and fiber. Pulses also contain important vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and folate.”

Are lentils gluten-free?

They are! This makes this chili a great dinner option for feeding people of all kinds of diets.

Expert Tips

Before cooking,rinse lentils thoroughly under cold waterand check for any small stones or debris. This ensures they cook evenly and are clean.
Cooking the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until tender and fragrantenhances the depth of flavor in your chili. Don’t rush this step.
If the chili is too thick, add more vegetable stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
Taste the chili before servingand adjust the salt, pepper, and spices as needed. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the flavors

What To Serve With Lentil Chili

Serve this Healthy Lentil Chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Thecornbreadadds a sweet and hearty complement to the chili, while thehomemade tortilla chipsprovide a crunchy texture that’s perfect for dipping. Thisarugula saladwould be fresh and delicious alongside this chili too.

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