Hearty Spanish Lentil Chili
This Hearty Spanish Lentil Chili is a flavor-packed dish that combines the earthy taste of brown lentils with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. The chili is enriched with robust chicken broth, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of fresh cilantro, creating a beautifully balanced meal. Ideal for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors, this chili is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal that will warm your soul.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried brown lentils
8 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Water
4 cups (For boiling lentils)
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
5 (Minced)
Red bell pepper
1 large (Diced)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Low sodium chicken broth
64 ounces (For the chili base)
No-salt-added diced tomatoes
29 ounces (For the chili base)
Tomato paste
24 ounces (For thickening)
Bay leaf
1 (For flavoring)
Chili powder
4 teaspoons (For seasoning)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2
Once the water is boiling, add the dried brown lentils. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 4 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent.
4
Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for just 1 minute more to release its fresh flavor.
5
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, add the chili powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let it boil for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then reduce the heat to low.
7
Stir in the cooked lentils, cover the skillet, and let the chili simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Information
4
Fat
40
Carbs
11
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Spanish Lentil Chili.
How many calories are in one serving of this chili?
There are 220 calories per serving.
How much protein does this lentil chili provide?
This recipe contains 11 grams of protein.
What type of lentils are used?
The recipe calls for dried brown lentils.
How long should the lentils be boiled initially?
Lentils should be boiled for about 30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
Extra-virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 5 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of onion is used in this chili?
The recipe uses 1 medium chopped onion.
How much water is needed to boil the lentils?
You will need 4 cups of water.
What type of bell pepper is added?
One large red bell pepper, diced, is added to the skillet.
How much fresh cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
What liquid serves as the base of the chili?
Low sodium chicken broth is used for the chili base.
How many ounces of chicken broth are needed?
The recipe requires 64 ounces of chicken broth.
What type of tomatoes are included?
The recipe uses 29 ounces of no-salt-added diced tomatoes.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of tomato paste.
What spice gives the chili its heat?
Chili powder is used, specifically 4 teaspoons.
Is a bay leaf used in this recipe?
Yes, one bay leaf is used for flavoring.
When should the bay leaf be removed?
Remove the bay leaf before serving the dish.
How long do you sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
How long should the chili simmer after adding the lentils?
The chili should simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes.
What are the serving suggestions for this chili?
It is recommended to serve it with crusty bread or over rice.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a high protein meal.
How much sea salt is added for seasoning?
One teaspoon of sea salt is used.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 13 ingredients.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include lentil chili, healthy comfort food, quick meals, and plant-based.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy and includes chili powder.
How many servings does the recipe provide?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it is described as a weeknight dinner option.
Can this be considered a vegetarian dish?
While tagged as vegetarian chili, it uses chicken broth; a vegetable broth substitution would make it fully vegetarian.