Lentil Chili Recipe - Easy and in One Pot

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
• 1 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (seeded and diced small)
• 3 cloves Garlic (pressed or minced)
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (concentrated)
• 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can Pinto Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz)
• 4 cups Water or Vegetable Broth (use broth for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• ½ teaspoon Chipotle Powder (optional, for smoky heat)
• 2 cups Brown Rice (cooked, for serving)
• 1 whole Avocado (sliced)
• ½ cup Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream (for topping)
• ¼ cup Pickled Red Onions (optional garnish)
• 1 whole Jalapeños (thinly sliced, optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 whole Lime (cut into wedges for squeezing)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil

   Add olive oil to the large pot and warm over very low heat for about 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

2. Sauté Aromatics

   Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and pressed garlic to the pot. Increase to medium heat and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

   Time: PT5M

3. Add Spices & Tomato Paste

   Stir in red pepper flakes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

4. Combine Lentils, Beans, and Liquids

   Add the rinsed lentils, drained black beans, drained pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, and water or vegetable broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT3M

5. Bring to Boil and Simmer

   Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil (about 5 minutes). Then lower to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

   Time: PT40M

6. Final Seasoning

   Taste the chili and adjust salt or pepper as needed. If you like extra smoky heat, stir in chipotle powder now.

   Time: PT2M

7. Serve

   Ladle the chili over cooked brown rice. Top with sliced avocado, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, pickled red onions, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

12 g