Chili is a popular comfort food, especially when the weather turns colder. This red lentil chili, sometimes know as vegan three bean chili, packs a lot of protein and fiber into a single pot.
One pot meals are perfect for meal planning. Make a batch chili at the beginning of the week to have available for quick lunches and dinners. While this chili comes together quickly, the flavors continue to develop over time.
Each family member can customize their own bowl of red lentil chili by adding spice or their favorite toppings. It’s simple to add meat and/or dairy on top for those who are not vegan as well.
What are Red Lentils?
Lentils are legumes, in the same family as beans and peanuts. They are small and lens shaped making them quick to cook. Red lentils are frequently used in vegetarian or vegan soups as a source of protein.
Red lentils are one of several colors that lentils can be. Their color ranges from red to yellow, green, brown and even black.
The taste of lentils is mild and earthy. Red lentils are slightly sweeter than the other colors, but they all require a fair amount of seasoning.
You can purchase lentils in bags, similar to dried beans. They can also be sold in bulk bins.
Store lentils in an airtight container for an extended shelf life. This is a simple staple to keep on hand that can be added to a variety of dishes.
Do Red Lentils Need to be Soaked?
Red lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking. You can add them straight to the chili. I add them to soups a lot too. This red lentil chili recipe really is easy!
How to Cook Red Lentils
Cooking red lentils could not be easier. Just toss them in a pot, and cover with water.
In this recipe for easy red lentil chili, toss all the ingredients in a pot and cover them with water. Simmer until any extra liquid has cooked out, and it’s ready to eat!
Benefits of Red Lentil Chili
In a nutshell, here’s why you should make red lentil chili:
- One pot – less dishes to wash
- Only takes 30 minutes
- Protein packed
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family friendly
- Easy to customize
- Affordable ingredients
- It’s delicious!
How to Make Vegan Red Lentil Chili
Ingredients
- 1/2 White Onion (diced, or your preferred onion)
- 1 can Black Beans (15 ounce can, drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Dry Red Lentils (or other lentils)
- 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (15 ounces, or use 3 whole tomatoes and dice them)
- 1 can Red Kidney Beans (15 ounce can, or other red beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper (optional, remove seeds for less spice)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder (American chili powder is a spice blend)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup Water (more or less to cover all ingredients)
Step 1 – Dump Ingredients in One Pot
Begin by adding the beans, lentils, onion, tomatoes, peppers, and tomato sauce to a large pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2 – Add Spices
You can control the flavor of your chili by adding spices to suit your individual preferences. if you don’t like something, leave it out. Then cover all the ingredients with water, and give the pot a nice stir.
Step 3 – Simmer
All that’s left to do is let the chili simmer until the vegetables and lentils are soft and most of the liquid has cooked out. I simmered mine for 20 minutes, uncovered.
Tips
Chili powder is an American spice blend. Some people like a little, and some people like a lot in their chili. This is not the same as Asian chili powder. Start with less and see what you like. In my Texas Style Chili, I use 1/4 to 1/2 cup, but others only use one or two tablespoons. This recipe only uses one tablespoon.
Also, you can use any type of beans you like. Use all one type or mix it up with different cans.
More Easy Lentil Recipes
Now that you are an expert in all things lentils, you’ll want to cook them all the time. Here are some more easy lentil recipes to fill your meal plan:
- Instant Pot Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice
- Quinoa-Lentil Salad…A Salad that Fills You Up
- Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
Easy Red Lentil Chili (Vegan)
This easy red lentil chili is made in one pot or a Dutch oven. The recipe is vegan is flavorful and full of fiber.
Ingredients
- 1/2 White Onion (diced, or your preferred onion)
- 1 15 ounce can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Dry Red Lentils (or other lentils)
- 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (15 ounces, or use 3 whole tomatoes and dice them)
- 1 15 ounce can Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed, or other red beans)
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper (optional, remove seeds for less spice)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder (American Chili Powder is a spice blend)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 1/2 cup Water or veggie broth (more or less to cover all ingredients)
Instructions
- Add beans, diced onion, tomatoes, peppers, lentil and tomato sauce to a large sauce pan or Dutch oven.
- Add spices to suit your individual taste preferences. If you don't like something, leave it out. Add enough water to cover all ingredients and stir.
- Simmer until the veggies are soft and most of the extra liquid has cooked out. I simmered for 20 minutes, uncovered.
Notes
- Beans: You can use one type of canned beans. I prefer to mix it up with some variety.
- Serve With: This chili is great on it's own, but it is also good as a topping for a baked potato. You can also enjoy it with corn bread or warm tortillas.
- Meat and Dairy: This is a vegan chili but some of our meal plan members have omnivore family members. They will serve their portion then add seasoned and cooked ground beef or ground turkey, or shredded cheese on top for family members.
