There’s just something about these cold winter months and a nice bowl of chili to warm you that goes hand in hand. Today we’re talking about vegan bean & lentil chili! And oh boy does it hit the spot!
I love traditional chili but if I am being honest, I’m not always in the mood for meat. Especially when that meat is ground beef. So when I’m craving chili but not craving meat, I’ll make this bean and lentil chili! The beans and lentils make it just as satisfying as meat chili but you won’t get any uncomfortable too full feeling! It’s also incredibly inexpensive to make!
This Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is my go to! It’s inexpensive and super delicious!
Ingredients + Tools:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 15 oz. can of dark kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 teaspoon mined garlic
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 3 cups of water or vegetable broth
- Deep pot like a dutch oven or stockpot
- Silicone spatula or mixing spoon
Instructions:
- Mince garlic and finely chop onion, set aside. Gather all the spices and seasonings in one bowl and stir them all together. Preheat pot over medium heat for about 1 minute, add olive oil and chopped onions. Cook the onions till translucent, about 4-5 minutes, and then add garlic. Stir constantly till the garlic is fragrant about 1 minute.
- Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and stir thoroughly. Then add lentils, spices, and BBQ sauce give another good stir to make sure spices and BBQ sauce is evenly distributed.
- Pour the water or vegetable broth into the pot and stir again. Let the chili come to a full boil and then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lentils will absorb most of the liquid and should be tender but not mushy!
- Add your go to chili toppings and enjoy!
Serve it with my Cozy Cornbread Casserole for a wonderfully flavorful and inexpensive meal!