Vegan Black Bean Chili with Lentils Recipe
This hearty Vegan Chili recipe combines black beans, red lentils, and rich spices to create a flavorful, nutritious, and comforting meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it simmers gently on the stovetop and is garnished with crunchy Fritos, vegan sour cream, fresh cilantro, and jalapeno slices for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Beans & Lentils
- 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup uncooked split red lentils
Tomatoes & Liquids
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2–3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons diced chipotles in adobo
Seasonings
- Juice of 1 lime
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Fritos
- Vegan sour cream
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeno
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion along with a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Spices & Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar. Cook for another minute, stirring continuously to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, chipotles in adobo, black beans, red lentils, and a large pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to incorporate thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Cover the pot, increase heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the lentils are tender. Add the remaining vegetable broth if the chili is too thick or as desired.
- Finish with Lime and Seasoning: Stir in the juice of one lime. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with Fritos, vegan sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeno as preferred.
Notes
- Do not simmer the chili for longer than 5-7 minutes to avoid mushy lentils, which can thicken the chili but alter its texture.
- Stir the chili frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the lentils and beans.
- This chili pairs beautifully with baked sweet potatoes or crusty bread.
Keywords: Vegan chili, black beans chili, lentil chili, plant-based chili, easy vegan dinner
