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Hearty Vegan Lentil Chili - Cozy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder or a small square dark chocolate (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Avocado, diced (for serving)
  • Tortilla chips or warm cornbread (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
  2. Add garlic and jalapeño: Stir in garlic and jalapeño. Cook 1 minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.
  3. Bloom the spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to coat the veggies and release the spices’ flavor.
  4. Build the base: Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. Add more broth if it looks too thick.
  6. Add beans and balance: Stir in the black or kidney beans, cocoa or dark chocolate, and maple syrup if using. Simmer another 10–15 minutes, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  7. Finish: Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro and avocado. Add tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.