Imagine a hearty, protein-packed chili that's not only incredibly delicious but also ready in under 45 minutes! This Vegetarian Lentil Chili made in the Instant Pot is about to become your new weeknight superhero, delivering mouth-watering flavors and nutritional powerhouse in every single bite. Whether you're a committed vegetarian, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a comforting meal that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe is your ultimate culinary destination.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or dust.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pot.
- Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly soft.
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant.
- Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and release their aromatics.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing position.
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook mode on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open the lid and stir the chili, checking lentils for desired tenderness.
- Let the chili sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of vegan sour cream.
Tips
- Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any potential debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor - old spices can make your chili taste flat and uninteresting.
- Don't skip the sautéing step, as it helps develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, let it sit an extra 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow natural thickening.
- Experiment with toppings like crispy tortilla strips, jalapeños, or vegan cheese to personalize your dish.
- Leftover chili freezes beautifully - store in airtight containers for up to 3 months!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
