Hearty Vegetable Chili with Lentils
A protein-packed vegetarian chili featuring lentils, kidney beans, and a medley of colorful vegetables, simmered in a smoky tomato-based broth. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs rinsed red lentils, canned and drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 150g, rinsed red lentils
- 200g, canned and drained kidney beans
- 400g diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced bell peppers
- 1 large, diced onions
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and bell peppers, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add lentils, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Vegetable Chili with Lentils take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hearty Vegetable Chili with Lentils?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Vegetable Chili with Lentils?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hearty Vegetable Chili with Lentils for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Hearty Vegetable Chili with Lentils vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
