Craving a hearty, protein-packed meal that's both incredibly delicious and nutritious? Look no further than this game-changing Vegetarian Lentil Chili that will transform your dinner routine! Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Using the magic of an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you'll create a soul-warming dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or dust.
- Prepare your vegetables by dicing the bell pepper, onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Set your Instant Pot or slow cooker to sauté mode and add a small amount of oil if desired.
- Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine and ensure even distribution of spices.
- For Instant Pot: Close lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
- For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris and prevent potential digestive issues.
- For maximum flavor, toast your spices like chili powder and cumin in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- Don't skip the sautéing step - it helps develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- If using an Instant Pot, allow for natural pressure release to keep the lentils tender and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of tomato paste.
- This chili freezes beautifully - make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
- Customize your toppings: try roasted corn, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
