Why we love this…
Like other classic lentil dishes such as lentil pasta, lentil soup, creamy dal and rice and lentil Mujadara, this lentil chili offers more than just rich, comforting flavor.
💚 Louise and I think you’ll love this because it’s:
- Easy to make in one pot.
- Packed with protein and fiber.
- Nutritious and deeply satisfying.
- Affordable, made with pantry staples.
- One of the best recipes for meal prep.
- Easy to customize and adapt to your taste.
👨🏻🍳 Pro tip: Serve lentil chili with something pickled (quick-pickled onions or jalapeños), something creamy (sour cream, cashew sour cream, or thick yogurt), and something tangy (lime or lemon juice) for the best flavor!
Ingredients
Full ingredients and substitutions are in the recipe box below.
- Flavor base: olive oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato paste.
- Spices & herbs: red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and bay leves. You can substitute chipotle powder for smoked paprika and thyme for bay leaves.
- Lentils: we recommend dried brown, green, or french lentils. If you use canned lentils or dried split lentils they only require 15 minutes cooking time and 1/2 the amount of vegetable broth.
- Beans: we recommend canned or pre-cooked beans like black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans or black-eyed beans.
- Canned tomatoes: crushed, diced, or whole canned peeled tomatoes.
- Vegetable broth
- Balsamic vinegar: we list this as optional, but if you have some please add it in to boost the umami of the chili. It’s SO good!
- Serves well with lime juice, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, pickled onions, rice, or tortillas.
How to Make Lentil Chili
Step 1: Make the flavor base.
Rinse the dried lentils under running water, checking for any hidden stones or debris. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 – 10 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
Stir in red pepper flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, tomato paste, and bay leaves, cooking for another minute until the spices become fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer until tender.
Stir in rinsed dried lentils and drained canned beans, then add vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, then taste and adjust the salt and spices. Add more broth for a thinner chili, or let it simmer longer to thicken.
Step 3: Serving suggestions.
You can serve lentil chili with brown rice, quinoa, cornbread, corn tortillas, flatbread, or crusty bread.
For toppings, we recommend a squeeze of lime juice, fresh cilantro, pickled red onions or jalapeños, sliced avocado or guacamole, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
Tips
- Build a Bold Flavor Base: the first 10 minutes are crucial! Let the veggies sauté slowly until soft and fragrant. Don’t rush this step.
- Rinse and Check Your Lentils: Give them a good rinse under running water while scanning for small stones to keep your chili grit-free.
- Go Big On Toppings – they elevate this recipe to the next level! Remember to add something cold, something tangy, something creamy, and something spicy.
Questions
What type of lentils should I use?
We recommend using dried green, brown, or French lentils because they keep their shape well, while split red lentils break down easily making the chili more like a porridge texture and with less bite.
How long do green lentils take to cook?
To speed up cooking time, you can soak them in cold water for 8 hours.
Can you cook dry lentils without soaking them?
We recommend rinsing them to remove dirt and do a quick visual check to ensure no stones are hiding between the lentils.
Can I make lentil chili in an Instant pot or slow cooker?
For the slow cooker you’ll need about 8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high.
How do I store it or freeze it?
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Lentil Chili
Lentil chili is a hearty, high-protein one-pot meal where lentils, black beans, and vegetables simmer with aromatic spices for a flavorful, meatless twist on classic chili.
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 40 minutes mins
Servings: –+ people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Nutritious Cinnamon and Aloe Vera Drink to Support Your Health
In the ongoing search for a healthier lifestyle, more and more people are becoming interested in natural remedies and recipes that promote overall well-being. One ingredient often used in this context is aloe vera, a plant traditionally valued for its soothing properties and potential health benefits. In this article, we’ll introduce a simple and refreshing drink… - 15 Signs That Your Liver Is in Danger (And What to Do About It)
Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It filters toxins, supports digestion, and helps regulate metabolism. However, liver problems often develop silently, showing subtle warning signs that are easy to ignore—until it’s too late. In this article, we’ll explore 15 signs that your liver is in danger, so you can take… - The Essential Vitamin That May Help Relieve Leg and Bone Pain
Have you ever experienced unexplained pain in your legs or bones? If so, you may wonder whether a vitamin deficiency could be contributing to the problem. In this article, we’ll explore vitamin D, its importance for bone and muscle health, natural sources, and practical ways to support your overall well-being. The Importance of Vitamins for Bone… - Benefits, Properties, and How to Prepare It at Home
Guava leaf tea has become one of the most popular traditional herbal infusions for people looking for a simple and affordable way to support their overall well-being. Made from the leaves of the guava tree, this traditional drink is known for its antioxidant properties and its traditional use for digestive comfort. Many people drink it as… - The Plant Gaining Attention for Supporting Eye Health
Discover a Natural Way to Care for Your Vision 👁️ Introduction Millions of people around the world experience eye discomfort every day—including blurred vision, light sensitivity, screen-related eye fatigue, dryness, or a constant reliance on glasses. As modern life places increasing demands on our eyes, many people are turning to nature in search of gentle,… - The Natural Juice Blend That Is Getting Attention in 2026
The natural juice blend tipped to be a trend in 2026: Soursop, Guava, and Tomato. In a world where chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension place increasing pressure on healthcare systems, more people are looking for safe, natural ways to support their health. Although prescribed medications remain essential, interest in complementary approaches based… - What Happens to Your Body When You Start Eating Garlic Before Bed?
Many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep. They may wake up several times during the night or still feel tired even after what seems like enough rest. This fatigue can affect energy, mood, and everyday activities. As a result, more people are exploring natural habits that may support better sleep. But could a… - A Gentle Green Ally for Kidney and Joint Health
If you have ever experienced the persistent discomfort of kidney stones or the sudden pain of gout, you know how much these conditions can interfere with everyday life. Although there is no single solution that works for everyone, nature offers a variety of plants that have been traditionally used to support well-being, and one of… - Over 60? You Might Be Missing These 10 Silent Mini Stroke Warning Signs
Introduction As we age, the risk of stroke increases—especially after 60. But what many people don’t realize is that mini strokes (also called TIAs – transient ischemic attacks) often happen with subtle or “silent” symptoms. Ignoring these early warning signs can be dangerous. A mini stroke is often a serious red flag that a major stroke could occur soon.… - A Simple Nighttime Ritual to Improve Deep Sleep Naturally
Getting quality sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet for many people, falling asleep quickly and staying asleep through the night can feel like a constant battle. Instead of turning to medications, more people are exploring gentle, natural solutions that support the body’s own sleep cycle. One surprisingly effective option? A warm banana and cinnamon… - Benefits, Recipe, and How to Enjoy This Powerful Herbal Infusion
Clove tea is a fragrant herbal infusion with a distinctive, warm flavor that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This comforting drink is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. In this article, you’ll learn what clove tea is, how to prepare it, its health benefits, and creative ways to… - Healthy Juice for Eye Health and Memory: Supports Cataract, Glaucoma, Migraine, and Memory Issues
🥤 Natural Juice for Vision and Brain Health Introduction Do you struggle with blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, migraines, or memory problems? These conditions often develop with age or due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Fortunately, nature offers a simple and effective solution: a nutrient-rich natural juice packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. This powerful recipe combines orange,… - The Living Amulet That “Prays” for Abundance
Did you know there’s a plant that moves as if it had a will of its own? It’s not science fiction—it’sMaranta leuconeura, commonly known as thePrayer Plant. Beyond being a stunning decorative piece, this tropical beauty is believed to bring luck, gratitude, and prosperity into your home. Its unique behavior and symbolic meaning have made it a… - A Natural Remedy Gaining Attention After 40
in today’s digital world, eye strain, dryness, and blurred vision have become everyday struggles—especially for adults over 40. Long hours on screens, environmental stressors, and natural aging all contribute to declining eye comfort and clarity. But what if relief didn’t always have to come from expensive drops or supplements? A humble plant known as Euphorbia hirta is… - A Natural Ally for Blood Sugar Control
In this article, we’ll explore how guava leaves may support blood sugar control and how to prepare them properly to maximize their benefits. 🌱 Medicinal Properties of Guava Leaves Guava leaves are rich in beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which give them several important properties: These compounds help improve overall health and may…