My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

Soups, Stews, & Chili

Easy Red Lentil Chili (Vegan)

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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:

Yield: 4 servings

Easy Red Lentil Chili (Vegan)

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.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

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

  1. Add beans, diced onion, tomatoes, peppers, lentil and tomato sauce to a large sauce pan or Dutch oven.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Recipes

Tortilla Soup

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We love Mexican Food! Beans, peppers, cilantro…you name it, we love it. Plant-Based Tortilla Soup is one of those favorites that deserves a plant-based make over!

This Tortilla Soup is similar to my Taco Soup and Enchilada Soup but is different in several ways. This recipe is designed for only 4 servings and uses spices differently.

Make your own Tortilla Strips

I make my own tortilla strips using soft corn tortillas. They aren’t as crunchy as the store bought version that has oil but I don’t mind.

Don’t forget to preheat your oven because the tortilla strips will bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. I don’t put them in the oven until the soup is simmering but it’s important to have your oven ready.

When the soup is simmering on the stove I’ll cut up my corn tortillas. I like to sprinkle them with fresh lime juice and dust them with onion and garlic powder, sometimes I’ll add paprika. These bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Plant-Based Tortilla Soup

I start this one off by doing a water saute of my onions, garlic, jalapenos and cilantro. I normally reserve cilantro for a garnish in most recipes but in this one, it’s one of the first ingredients.

Once this is cooking for a few minutes I normally start hearing from family members, they come from every room in the house and want to know what I’m cooking. The fragrance fills the house.

Next I add all my spices. I’m sharing the mild version today but you can spice it up by adding 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle pepper. You can also add extra jalapeno. If you really like chipotle flavor then add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. It will have a kick!

Dump in your black beans, corn and diced tomatoes. I’ve used fire roasted tomatoes and plain. Both are good!

Add in your lentils. I’ve used brown lentils and red lentils. Both work. The red lentils break down a bit more, creating a creamier soup. The brown lentils stay whole, creating a chunkier soup. I don’t have a preference.

Lastly, the tomato paste is optional. We’ve made this soup with and without the tomato paste. I think it depends on the flavor of your broth. I used my Dry Veggie Broth Mix! It had a nice flavor but we are a fans of tomato-based soups.

Plant-Based Tortilla Soup

The soup needs to simmer for about 20 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, the brown lentils weren’t quite ready. If you have a tendency to forget you are cooking, set a timer. This soup doesn’t have a lot of excess liquid and you’ll simmer it out if you don’t check on it. If that happens just add more broth.

You can add some tortillas to your soup as it simmers. If you do this, use small pieces to make it easier to eat.

This soup has a lot of textures but I add even more by topping it with the tortilla strips, fresh Pico de Gallo, cilantro, avocado, and anything else I have. Oh, and don’t forget the lime! Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl!

Yield: 4 servings

Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Soup

This hearty plant-based Tortilla Soup is filling and delicious. A few easy additions can give it extra heat if you like it spicy.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 sliced jalapeno (remove seeds for less spicy version)
  • 1/4 cup fresh, chopped cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups veggie broth (see note in recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 ounce can of organic corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup dry lentils
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees for the tortilla strips.
  2. Add onion, jalapeno, garlic and cilantro to a large pot on medium heat. Stir occasionally and as the veggies stick, add a few tablespoons of water and stir again.
  3. Cook these veggies until the onions become translucent.
  4. Add the broth, spices, black beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato paste and red lentils. All the ingredients should be submerged in broth, if they aren't add little more liquid.
  5. Bring the soup to a simmer and cover with a lid. You don't need a boil, that will cause too much water to evaporate.
  6. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Cut your corn tortillas into strips, you may add seasoning if you want but it's not required. Bake for 10 minutes.
  8. Then test lentils to make sure they are done.
  9. Allow soup to cool some before eating. Top with tortilla strips. I like to top with fresh pico de gallo and cilantro too.

Notes

Want your soup to be spicier? Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or more jalapenos to the soup.

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Soups, Stews, & Chili

Are you a Tortilla Soup fan?

Hearty Veggie Soup

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As soon as the weather shifted to fall I started making this soup. I’ve always been a fan of simmering all my favorite veggies in a big pot on the stove. I love stealing tastes here and there. This Hearty Veggie Soup took a bit more work.

Hearty Veggie Soup

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One day after watching Game Changers on Netflix, my husband and I started talking about our weekly meal plan. We both really wanted a soup but we have different favorites. I like tomato flavored soups like my Taco Soup and he is a fan of the veggie broth flavored soups like the Chickpea and Rice Soup.

You could picture us across the table negotiating all the ingredients in the soup but it wasn’t that dramatic. We’d both offer suggestions for ingredients and veto other ingredients. Finally this soup emerged victorious. 

Hearty Veggie Soup

We started making it every weekend! It makes about 6-7 servings so it’s perfect for a weekend cooking session. After chopping the veggies it’s pretty hands off. I set it to simmer then go about my business. 

Even though this soup is plant-based, it somehow reminds me of the beef stew I ate as a kid. Crazy huh?

You can use your favorite veggie broth. I’ve used this veggie broth from Amazon with great results. I typically use my Veggie Broth Mix. I’ll usually add a little extra, ok sometimes I double it. 

Hearty Veggie Soup

This soup uses mostly fresh ingredients, I use frozen green beans and canned tomatoes and beans. The chopping doesn’t take too long but you could probably substitute a bag of frozen mixed veggies if you were short on time. I haven’t tried it because I always have fresh potatoes, carrots, onion and broccoli at my house.  

Hearty Veggie Soup

Hearty Veggie Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 peeled and diced potatoes (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 1 crown broccoli, chopped (about 2-3 cups)
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 8 cups of water or broth (if using water, add veggie broth mix)

Do

  1. Begin to saute the onions and garlic. Add a little water if needed. This makes the house smell glorious!
  2. Add the carrots and celery. Then dump in the potatoes, green beans, and broccoli.
  3. Cover the veggie with water  or veggie broth, I use about 8 cups of water and add 8-10 tablespoons of my Veggie Broth Mix.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and black beans.
  5. Cover with a lid and simmer for 30-45 minutes, until all the veggies are soft.

Yield: 6

Hearty Veggie Soup

Hearty Veggie Soup

This Hearty Veggie Soup is an easy plant-based recipe your family will love. Beans, potatoes and broccoli plus more veggie goodness.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 peeled and diced potatoes (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 1 crown broccoli, chopped (about 2-3 cups)
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 8 cups of water or broth (if using water, add veggie broth mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin to saute the onions and garlic. Add a little water if needed. This makes the house smell glorious!
  2. Add the carrots and celery. Then dump in the potatoes, green beans, and broccoli.
  3. Cover the veggie with water  or veggie broth, I use about 8 cups of water and add 8-10 tablespoons of my Veggie Broth Mix.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and black beans.
  5. Cover with a lid and simmer for 30-45 minutes, until all the veggies are soft.
  6. Salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

If you are using water I highly recommend you use my Veggie Broth Mix. It's delicious and gives you more control over the ingredients. Dry Veggie Broth Mix

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Category: Soups, Stews, & Chili
Did you notice something missing from this recipe? I’ve made this so many times but the time I decide to take photos I forgot the green beans. I’ll take new pictures later but trust me, you don’t want to wait that long.

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

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It’s finally here! You asked for an Instant Pot version of my Plant-Based Goulash and today I’m delivering. I’m so excited to share this Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash recipe with you. That’s right, no oil, no meat and no dairy!

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

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You know how much I love my Instant Pot! Here is one more reason, I think this easy recipe tastes even better than the stove top version! 

I am still experimenting with this recipe. It will remain mostly the same but I think I can cut down on the liquid and the pressure cooking time. I’m going to go ahead and post this because I’ve gotten about a hundred emails from those of you who are patiently waiting on this recipe! 

As I make it with small adjustments and get your feedback, I’ll update it. 

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

Instant Pot Lessons

This recipe takes a long time to come to pressure. It’s because it’s full of liquid. Soups usually take a long time for pressure to build. Then, once it’s done, it will seem very soupy. Don’t worry, a lot of the liquid will get absorbed as it cools down.

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

With Instant Pot recipes, the order you put ingredients in can make or break your meal. In many recipes, tomatoes or tomato products can cause weird things to happen. Some foods will cook more slowly with tomato products. Other times, your pot will say “BURN” and you’ll get food stuck to the bottom, preventing it from coming to pressure.

With this recipe, the important thing to remember is to add the tomato products last and do not stir them in. I didn’t have any problem with this recipe burning or sticking but I’m always careful with tomato.

 

I was also nervous about cooking lentils and pasta together but it totally worked. Next time, I’ll cook it for 5 minutes instead of 6 to see how it goes. Both the lentils and the pasta were very soft. 

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

Did you grow up eating goulash? This Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash is made with whole food ingredients, and a few canned products for convenience. Your family will love this hearty comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Veggie Broth
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup dry brown lentils
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (I used Tamari)
  • 1 15 oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup uncooked pasta, I used macaroni 
  • 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz can of petite diced tomatoes

Do

  1. Add the veggie broth, onion, garlic, peppers, lentils spices, Worchershire sauce, soy sauce (or Tamari), kidney beans, pasta and bay leaf.
  2. Give it a stir to mix it together.
  3. Then pour in the tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes.
  4. Put on the lid and lock it in place sealing the lid. Close the vent.
  5. Press Manual or Pressure Cook (depending on your model) and adjust the time to 6 minutes.
  6. Wait for the pot to come to pressure and cook all the way.
  7. Once the pot is done, carefully open the pressure release valve to release the pressure.
  8. Once the pot is depressurized, open the lid and stir. Allow it to cool down before eating. Finish with salt and pepper if needed.

I think this recipe could use less liquid and I’ll be trying it with less soon. The stove top version has a lot of evaporation and this one does not. 

Yield: 5+

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash

Plant-Based Instant Pot Goulash is an easy and delicious recipe. Your family will love this hearty comfort food.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Veggie Broth
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup dry brown lentils
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (I used Tamari)
  • 1 15 oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup uncooked pasta, I used macaroni 
  • 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz can of petite diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Add the veggie broth, onion, garlic, peppers, lentils spices, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (or Tamari), kidney beans, pasta and pay leaf.
  2. Give it a stir to mix it together.
  3. Then pour in the tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes. DO NOT STIR!
  4. Put on the lid and lock it in place sealing the lid. Close the vent.
  5. Press Manual or Pressure Cook (depending on your model) and adjust the time to 6 minutes.
  6. Wait for the pot to come to pressure and cook all the way.
  7. Once the pot is done, carefully open the pressure release valve to release the pressure.
  8. After the pot is depressurized, open the lid and stir. Allow it to cool down before eating. Finish with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Make sure you add the tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes last and do not stir them.

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Instant Pot

Freezer Meals

If you want to make this as a freezer meal go ahead. Cook as instructed but leave out the pasta. Pasta isn’t very freezer friendly. Then when you are ready, defrost the Goulash and warm it on the stove or in the Instant Pot. Cook a quick batch of pasta to add to the previously cooked Goulash.

Have you made this yet? Let me know what you think! I’d love to hear how you adapt it to your family’s tastes. 

Enjoy!

Plant-Based Goulash

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Many of you have been patiently waiting for this Plant-Based Goulash recipe! It’s finally here!

Plant-Based Goulash

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I will warn you that it’s not traditional goulash but traditional goulash is not plant-based. This tastes exactly how I remember eating it as a kid. 

Plant-Based Goulash

Instead of meat I used lentils and red kidney beans. This has tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic too. Those are basically my favorite ingredients to put into any kind of soup or stew. I use veggie broth to deepen the flavor and a few other ingredients, mostly spices. 

Pasta is the last thing I add. I usually use macaroni noodles or small shells. 

I started working on this recipe last spring and had it just how I wanted it. The only problem was my recipe was big enough to feed an army! I finally cut it down to 4-5 servings over the summer. Then we moved. I still haven’t found the recipe but I mostly remembered the recipe and tested it again. This latest version is my favorite!

Plant-Based Goulash

Plant-Based Goulash

This Plant-Based Goulash uses whole food ingredients. Feel free to change it up to suit your family’s tastes. If you have kids eating it, you can increase the pasta and decrease the smoked paprika. A bag of frozen mixed veggies are a great way to add more veggies to your meal.

Ingredients

  • 5 cup veggie broth, divided
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup dry brown lentils
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (I use Tamari)
  • 1 cup uncooked pasta, (I used macaroni) 

Do

  1. Bring 2 cups of veggie broth to a boil in a dutch oven or big soup pot.
  2. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and lentils. Stir it all together and simmer until lentils are soft and the onions are translucent. About 15 minutes.
  3. Add in paprika, smoked paprika if using, your bay leaf and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir.
  4. Dump your tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and drained kidney beans into the pot and stir again.
  5. Pour in 3 more cups of veggie broth, your Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (or tamari) and dried pasta. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is soft.
  6. If time permits, you can simmer longer but leave plenty of time for this to cool off before eating. The pasta will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits. Salt and pepper to taste.

If you are adding frozen veggies, feel free to add them when you add the kidney beans.

Yield: 4+ servings

Plant-Based Goulash

Plant-Based Goulash

This Plant-Based Goulash uses whole food ingredients in this hearty and delicious recipe.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 cup veggie broth, divided
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup dry brown lentils
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (I use Tamari)
  • 1 cup uncooked pasta, (I used macaroni)

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 cups of veggie broth to a boil in a dutch oven or big soup pot.
  2. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and lentils. Stir it all together and simmer until lentils are soft and the onions are translucent. About 15 minutes.
  3. Add in paprika, smoked paprika if using, your bay leaf and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir.
  4. Dump your tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and drained kidney beans into the pot and stir again.
  5. Pour in 3 more cups of veggie broth, your Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (or tamari) and dried pasta. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is soft.
  6. If time permits, you can simmer longer but leave plenty of time for this to cool off before eating. The pasta will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits. Salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

If you are adding frozen veggies, feel free to add them when you add the kidney beans.

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Did you make this recipe?

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Soups, Stews, & Chili
This weekend I’ll make this again and share in my Instagram Stories! You’ll be able to find it in the highlights! Look for it on Saturday!

Find more hearty recipes like this on my Soups, Stew and Chili Page!

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

by 6 Comments

Nothing beats a bowl of hot chili when it’s cold outside!

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

My Texas Style Chili will always have my heart but sometimes I like to mix it up with different recipes. This recipe uses more ingredients but also has a more complex flavor. With ingredients like chipotle peppers, quinoa, and cinnamon all in one dish, you know you are getting something unexpected.

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

This recipe is easy to dump in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot after some quick chopping and measuring spices. I use canned beans and tomatoes for ease. If you aren’t a fan of spicy, you may want to reduce or omit the chipotle peppers. They give it a great flavor but it’s spicy!

Chipotle Black Bean Chili ingredients

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Like all my recipes, you can easily change-up the ingredients based on your likes and dislikes, or what you have in your pantry!

Ingredients:

  • ½ of a 7 oz. can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn
  • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it!)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 (14 oz.) cans petite diced tomatoes with juice
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

 

Chipotle Black Bean Chili ingredients

Directions:

  1. Place everything up through broth in slow-cooker or Instant Pot. Add in half of the chopped cilantro. (Save the other half of cilantro for garnishing).
  2. If you are cooking in a slow cooker, dump the tomatoes in and give it a stir. If you are using the Instant Pot, set the tomatoes aside for a minute and stir well. Then add the tomatoes, just dump them on top but don’t stir. Sometimes tomatoes and tomato sauces can cause Instant Pot recipes to burn or stick. Leaving the tomatoes on top of the other ingredients will keep that from happening.
  3. If using a slow cooker, cover with the lid then cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours. If using an Instant Pot, close the lid and close the vent. Cook on high, pressing Manual or Pressure Cook (depending on your model) and adjust the time to 10 minutes. I prefer letting the Instant Pot version NPR (natural pressure release) for at least 10 minutes after it’s done.
  4. Stir well and remove the cinnamon stick.
  5. Serve in bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or add your favorite toppings.

Chili Topping Ideas

There are so many great toppings you can add to chili. My favorites are tortilla chips to give it a little crunch and avocado to help tame the spiciness. Other great ideas are:

  • Cilantro
  • Diced avocados
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Lime wedges
  • Hot sauce
  • Diced green onion
  • Tortilla chips

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

My mom is visiting and loved this chili too. You don’t know my mom but that is saying something. She lives in Oklahoma where she raises horses, dogs, and cattle. She let all her Facebook friends know she ate vegan chili and liked it!

I think it’s safe to say for meat loving friends and family will love it too!

Instant Pot Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

This interesting plant-based chili recipe is perfect for fall. With ingredients like chipotle peppers, quinoa, and cinnamon all in one dish, you know you are getting something unexpected.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ of a 7 oz. can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn
  • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it!)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 (14 oz.) cans petite diced tomatoes with juice
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Place everything up through broth in your Instant Pot. Add in half of the chopped cilantro. (Save the other half of cilantro for garnishing).

2. Set the tomatoes aside for a minute and stir well. Then add the tomatoes, just dump them on top but don’t stir. Sometimes tomatoes and tomato sauces can cause Instant Pot recipes to burn or stick. Leaving the tomatoes on top of the other ingredients will keep that from happening.

3. Close the lid on your Instant Pot and close the vent. Cook on high, pressing Manual or Pressure Cook (depending on your model) and adjust the time to 10 minutes. I prefer letting the Instant Pot version NPR (natural pressure release) for at least 10 minutes after it’s done.

4. Stir well and remove the cinnamon stick.

5. Serve in bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or add your favorite toppings.

Notes

This recipe has a nice little kick thanks to the adobe peppers. This recipe is suitable for people who like spicy food, children may not enjoy the heat of this recipe.

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Soups, Stews, & Chili
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Chipotle Black Bean Chili