Vegan Lentil Chili | Cozy Instant Pot Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Vegan Lentil Chili is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Made with a combination of red and green lentils, this dish is not only hearty but also packed with nutrients. The use of lentils instead of meat makes it a fantastic option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
The preparation is incredibly straightforward, especially with the Instant Pot. After a quick sauté of onions and garlic, you simply add the lentils, tomatoes, and spices, then let the pot do the work. The result is a rich and flavorful chili that is perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste, and the toppings are endless. Whether you prefer a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or some fresh cilantro, each addition enhances the overall experience. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover toppings you might have in the fridge.
Overall, this Vegan Lentil Chili is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, nutritious meal that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need meat to create a satisfying and delicious meal.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Gather all the ingredients for the vegan lentil chili.
Open the Instant Pot, add olive oil, and sauté one medium chopped onion for one minute until fragrant.
Tip: Sauteing onions and garlic adds extra depth of flavor.
Add four cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Add half a cup of rinsed red lentils, a cup and a half of rinsed green lentils, three cans of tomato sauce, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Add about 15 ounces of vegetable broth.
Add two tablespoons of chili powder, two teaspoons of Mexican oregano, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of salt.
Tip: A little sweetness from brown sugar or maple syrup enhances the chili.
Add two tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup.
Stir all the ingredients together.
Tip: Be mindful of the type of lentils used, as red lentils absorb more moisture than green lentils.
Press cancel to turn off the sauté function.
Put the lid back on and move the valve to sealing.
Press the bean chili button and set the timer to 12 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use a spoon to release any remaining pressure.
Tip: Use a spoon to safely release steam from the Instant Pot.
Carefully open the Instant Pot and remove the lid.
Tip: Set the Instant Pot lid on the side for convenience while cooking.
Ladle the chili into bowls.
Tip: Chili can be added to a baked potato for a fuller meal.
Garnish with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, Greek yogurt, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
Tip: Toppings help cool down the chili when served hot.
Tip: Sour cream adds creaminess and helps cool down the chili.
Serve the chili hot and enjoy.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- •Using a mix of red and green lentils adds texture and heartiness to the chili.
- •Sauteing onions and garlic enhances the flavor of the dish.
- •Chili can be customized with various toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
