Description
A smoky, hearty Vegan Chili Recipe with Black Beans made with red lentils, tomato sauce, chipotles, and fresh lime juice. Ready in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons diced chipotles in adobo
3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup uncooked split red lentils
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
2 to 3 cups vegetable broth
Juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: Fritos, vegan sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
1. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar, and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, chipotles, black beans, lentils, and another pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and 2 cups of vegetable broth.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the lentils are tender.
7. Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner chili.
8. Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning, and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
Split red lentils cook quickly and help thicken the chili.
Cooking longer than needed may make the texture softer and creamier.
Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
Different beans such as pinto or kidney beans can be substituted.
Crushed tomatoes or tomato juice can replace diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
For extra heat, add more chipotles, cayenne, or smoked paprika.
Additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, or sweet potatoes work well.
Ground turkey or beef can be added for a non-vegan version.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 287
- Sugar: 7.7g
- Sodium: 1283mg
- Fat: 5.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43.5g
- Fiber: 11.8g
- Protein: 15.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
