How to make Lentil Chili at home? (Hearty and Delicious)

In less than an hour, you can have a filling, inexpensive lunch on the table thanks to homemade lentil chili!

This tasty chili recipe is made by simmering lentils, tinned tomatoes and beans, fresh bell pepper, and a few other spices on the stovetop.

Simple pantry staples

This recipe for homemade lentil chili is simple to follow. It can be prepared in about an hour to satisfy that hungry crowd and employs straightforward, affordable items that are probably already in the pantry.

Simply combine the ingredients in a stovetop saucepan and boil until the flavors meld.

Ingredients/Variations

Ingredients for this lentil chili recipe are probably already in your pantry.

LENTILS This chili has brown lentils, though yellow, red, or green lentils also work well. Lentils in cans are another option!

In this recipe, you should double the lentils and cut back on the broth if you’re using canned lentils. Additionally, you should shorten the cooking period until the vegetables are tender.

VEGGIES Chili must-haves include fresh bell peppers and onions. By including corn, celery, sweet potatoes, carrots, or anything else you have on hand, you can make this recipe even more filling!

GOODS IN CANNERS This chili’s flavor is enhanced by kidney beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. For an added kick, try using already-seasoned canned tomatoes!

SPICES If you’d like, keep the chili mild, or amp it up by adding additional homemade chili powder or red chili flakes!

VARIATIONS For a heartier version of this lentil chili, add meat! Use Italian sausage, meat, or chicken ground into a dish!

Recipe for Lentil Chili

This delectable one-pot marvel can be made in just three simple steps!

1. After sautéing the onion, add the spices and garlic.
2. Add tomatoes, lentils, and broth along with any juices. Simmer the mixture until it becomes thick.
3. Serve right away with chosen garnishes.

Chili can be garnished with cheese, sour cream, or jalapenos. Serve with homemade french bread or chile cheddar cornbread to mop up the sauce!

Just cook ground beef with the onion and garlic to make lentil chili with meat.

When adding the lentils to the chili, the cooked, shredded turkey should be added. Wonderful for using leftover turkey!

How to Make the Perfect Lentil Chili

• Chili can be thickened by cooking it uncovered until the extra liquid is gone. As an alternative, puree or mash about a half-cup of lentils and stir them back into the chili.
• Cook lentil chili in a slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours on low (ideal for an overnight or workday) or for 4 to 5 hours on high.
• Cook for 30 minutes on high in an Instant Pot before allowing for a 13-minute delayed release (or follow user guide directions).
• In the refrigerator, leftovers can be kept for three to four days in an airtight container.

Leftovers

• Reheat in the same saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly warm. Alternately, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds at a time until thoroughly heated!
• Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month.

Homemade Lentil Chili

The traditional comfort dish has a creative new spin with this lentil!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup bell pepper chopped red or green
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 1/4 cups brown lentils
• 19-ounce kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 28 ounce canned diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth or vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. About 5 minutes should be enough time to soften the onion and pepper.
3. Cumin, chili powder, and garlic are added. Cook for another minute.
4. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and lentils.
5. Stirring often, cook covered for 25 minutes after bringing to a boil. If you want a thicker chili, simmer it for an extra 15 minutes without the cover.

Notes

You can cook and include 1 lb of lean ground beef into the chili along with the onion.

Chili can be thickened by cooking it uncovered until the extra liquid is gone.

If using canned lentils, multiply the number of lentils called for in the recipe by two and omit the broth. Additionally, since the lentils are already cooked, shorten the cooking time to 15 minutes of covered simmering.

Combine all ingredients for Slow Cooker Lentil and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours.

Combine all ingredients for Instant Pot Lentil in the appliance, and then cook on high for 30 minutes. 13 minutes of slow pressure release (or follow user guide directions).

Nutrition information

Calories: 348 | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 747mg | Potassium: 1603mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1915IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 8mg