Looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Dive into the world of plant-based goodness with our One Pot Whole Foods Plant Based Lentil Chili! This vibrant dish is not only packed with protein-rich lentils but also brimming with colorful vegetables that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights, this chili can be whipped up in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as comforting as it is healthy—read on for the full recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse dry lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add diced carrots and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mince garlic cloves and add them to the vegetable mixture. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, ensuring you scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add vegetable broth and rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Stir well to distribute spices evenly.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the chili seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth; if too thin, continue simmering uncovered.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and chili to slightly thicken.
Tips
- Rinse Lentils: Always rinse your dry lentils thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a clean flavor.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Make sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent; this helps to build a flavorful base for your chili.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: When adding garlic, sauté it just until fragrant (30-45 seconds) to avoid burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
- Adjusting Thickness: If your chili turns out too thick, simply add a splash more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for about 5 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of brown rice for a complete meal that will leave you satisfied.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
