Best 4 Healthy Lentil Chili Recipes

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Healthy lentil chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It's a great option for a healthy meal that is also easy to make. Whether you're a vegetarian or meat-eater, this chili is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With the right combination of spices and fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. In this article, we'll explore some of the best recipes for healthy lentil chili, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to create a delicious and nutritious dish. So, grab your favorite spices and lentils, and let's get cooking!

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

VEGAN LENTIL CHILI



Vegan Lentil Chili image

This vegan chili is every bit as comforting as the meat-filled counterpart, thanks to hearty lentils, beans and vegetables.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, light- and dark-green parts separated
1 red bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced
1 orange bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juices
1 cup dried red lentils
Two 14.5-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen diced butternut squash (from a 10-ounce bag)
1 tablespoon agave syrup or maple syrup
Assorted garnishes such as thinly sliced radish and jalapeno, cubed avocado and pepitas, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the light-green scallion parts, both bell peppers, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste, garlic, ancho chile powder, cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens in color and the garlic is softened, about 1 minute.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juices, lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Fold in the kidney beans, butternut squash and agave syrup and cook, stirring once or twice, until the squash is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with the radish, jalapeno, avocado, pepitas and dark-green scallion parts as desired.

LENTIL CHILI



Lentil Chili image

This is a lower fat alternative to chili. It is nicely seasoned, tastes great on a cold winter day and freezes well. This makes a delicious meal served with cornbread or crusty rolls. As this makes quite a bit, I usually put it into 2-quart containers, cool and freeze. The night before I am going to serve it, I put it in the refrigerator and allow it to defrost. Then heat and enjoy!

Provided by PaulaG

Categories     Poultry

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
5 -6 cups chicken broth
2 cups lentils, rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can dice cut canned tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 -3 teaspoons epazote
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
green onion, sliced
cheddar cheese, grated

Steps:

  • In a heavy stock pot, saute the onion and garlic until onion is transparent.
  • Crumble in the ground turkey and cook until turkey is cooked through, stirring frequently.
  • Add from broth through epazote, stir to blend, bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and cook on medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  • At end of the cooking time, season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and grated cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.1, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 39.1, Sodium 872.4, Carbohydrate 17.7, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 5.5, Protein 20.2

TURKEY-LENTIL CHILI



Turkey-Lentil Chili image

This is such a great and filling recipe, you hardly notice it's good for you!

Provided by GG

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Turkey Chili Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups dry lentils
2 quarts vegetable broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 pound turkey sausage
2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
sea salt to taste
1 (8 ounce) container plain lowfat yogurt
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

  • Bring lentils and vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic, onion, celery, and sausage; cook and stir until the sausage is crumbly and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook 5 minutes more.
  • Stir the sausage mixture into the simmering lentils. Continue simmering until the lentils are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Garnish each serving with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240.3 calories, Carbohydrate 26.8 g, Cholesterol 29.7 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 17.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 669.9 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

EASY LENTIL CHILI



Easy Lentil Chili image

Great chili. Any leftovers can be reheated. Add just a little water if chili's too thick. Note: This is a recipe I adopted in the Great 'Zaar Adopta-thon; I have made some minor adjustments to it. Be careful with the crushed red pepper flakes; they vary in heat and some can be quite hot. You may wish to add less to start with, and adjust it later.

Provided by Jenny Sanders

Categories     Lentil

Time 2h25m

Yield 14 Cups

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups lentils, rinsed and picked over
water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
5 -6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 can 28 ounces diced tomato
1/4 cup tomato paste

Steps:

  • Combine lentils and 7 cups of water in a Dutch oven.
  • Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
  • Peel and chop the onions. Peel and mince the garlic, and put it in a small bowl with all the spices.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet and saute the onions until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and saute for a minute, then add the seasonings.
  • Stir in 2 cups of water with the onions. Add the onion mixture to the lentils.
  • Partially cover and cook for 45 minutes more, stirring every 10 minutes until thick.
  • Add the vinegar and sprinkle with a little chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 93, Fat 1.4, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 372.9, Carbohydrate 15.5, Fiber 5.3, Sugar 2.9, Protein 5.8

Tips:

  • Use a variety of lentils. This will give your chili a more complex flavor and texture.
  • Don't be afraid to add spices. Chili is a great dish to experiment with different spices.
  • Let the chili simmer for a while. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
  • Serve the chili with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

Conclusion:

Lentil chili is a delicious, healthy, and affordable meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover lentils. With its versatility and easy preparation, lentil chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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