Colorful Comfort Vegan Chili
This Colorful Comfort Vegan Chili is a delightful and hearty dish that's bursting with vibrant colors and flavors! Packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, carrots, and fresh herbs, it offers a wonderful balance of taste and health benefits. The aromatic blend of spices, along with diced tomatoes and nutrient-rich vegetable stock, creates a warm and inviting meal on chilly evenings. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Enjoy it hot, topped with creamy coconut yogurt and fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
carrot
1 (finely chopped)
celery
1 stalk (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
lentils
1 1/2 cups (rinsed)
whole tomatoes
15 ounces (diced (including juices))
vegetable stock
3 cups (None)
oregano
2 teaspoons (dried)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (None)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
black pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped (plus extra for garnish))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften and turn golden.
2
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
3
Stir in the rinsed lentils and cook for 1 minute, mixing well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
4
Pour in the diced whole tomatoes (with juices), vegetable stock, oregano, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened.
6
After 25 minutes, stir in the red wine vinegar and chopped cilantro. Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Serve the chili in individual bowls, garnished with a dollop of coconut yogurt and extra cilantro leaves if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorful Comfort Vegan Chili?
This is a hearty and nutritious plant-based dish made with lentils, carrots, and aromatic spices that comes together in under an hour.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is 100% vegan and uses no animal products.
How long does it take to cook?
The entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in under 60 minutes.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the main protein source in this chili?
The primary protein source in this chili is 1.5 cups of rinsed lentils.
What type of lentils should I use?
Brown or green lentils are recommended as they hold their shape well during the simmering process.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What vegetables are used in the base?
The flavor base is made from finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery.
What kind of oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil for softening the vegetables.
How much vegetable stock is required?
You will need 3 cups of vegetable stock to cook the lentils and form the chili base.
Why is it called 'colorful' chili?
The name comes from the vibrant mix of orange carrots, red tomatoes, green cilantro, and brown lentils.
How spicy is this vegan chili?
It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the inclusion of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
When do I add the red wine vinegar?
The red wine vinegar is stirred in after the initial 25-minute simmer to add a touch of brightness.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute 15 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with an equal amount of fresh diced tomatoes.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The lentils should simmer for 25 minutes until tender, followed by a final 5-minute simmer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as the flavors develop further when stored.
What is the recommended garnish?
The chili is best served with a dollop of coconut yogurt and fresh cilantro.
Can I add beans to this chili recipe?
Yes, kidney beans or black beans make great additions for extra texture and nutrients.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Can this vegan chili be frozen?
Yes, this chili can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of coconut yogurt?
You can use any unsweetened plant-based yogurt or vegan sour cream for a similar effect.
Is this a low-fat meal?
Yes, it uses only one tablespoon of oil for four servings and consists of nutrient-dense whole foods.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 finely chopped garlic cloves for aromatic depth.
What gives the chili its smoky flavor?
One tablespoon of smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky flavor profile to the dish.
What if I do not have cilantro?
Fresh parsley or chopped green onions can be used as a suitable substitute for cilantro.
Does this recipe have any added sugar?
No, there are no added sugars or sweeteners in this chili recipe.
How does the chili thicken without meat?
The starch from the lentils naturally thickens the liquid as it simmers over time.
Is this dish budget-friendly?
Yes, it uses inexpensive staples like lentils and root vegetables, making it very cost-effective.