Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Chili
This Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Chili is a vibrant and satisfying dish that marries the earthiness of lentils with the bold flavors of chunky vegetables and spicy salsa. Enhanced with the warmth of chili powder and cumin, it offers a delightful balance of textures and spices. Customize the heat level by selecting mild or hot salsa according to your preference. Perfect for gatherings, this chili is both filling and nutritious, and pairs wonderfully with cornbread and a crisp salad. Leftovers can be easily refrigerated or frozen for a comforting meal later. For a lighter option, ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef, making it a versatile recipe that everyone will enjoy.
18-20
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
2 lbs (browned)
dried lentils
1 lb (washed and picked over)
whole tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (coarsely chopped, with juice reserved)
white onions
2 (peeled and coarsely chopped)
carrots
4 (peeled and sliced)
celery
2 stalks (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (slivered)
salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (medium heat)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
chili powder
3 tablespoons (to taste)
salt
1 teaspoon
beef stock
6 cups
cheddar cheese or monterey jack cheese
1/2 lb (shredded)
olive oil
for sautéing
canned green chili
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
sour cream
1/2 cup ((optional))
hot sauce
((optional))
Instructions
1
In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.
2
Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a large stockpot. Add the rinsed lentils, coarsely chopped tomatoes with their reserved juice, sliced carrots, slivered garlic, salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and beef stock.
3
Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
4
After 30 minutes, add the diced celery and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If the chili becomes too thick, feel free to stir in additional beef stock or tomato juice to reach your preferred consistency.
5
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed, especially the chili powder for heat. Different brands can vary in spice levels, so personal preference is key.
6
Ladle the chili into bowls, topping it generously with shredded cheese. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green chilies if desired. Serve hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Chili?
It is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines lentils, chunky vegetables, ground beef, and spicy salsa for a nutritious meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 18 to 20 servings.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option.
What type of lentils are required for this chili?
The recipe calls for one pound of dried lentils that have been washed and picked over.
How long should the chili simmer in total?
The chili should simmer for a total of 45 minutes: 30 minutes initially, plus an additional 15 minutes after adding the celery.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes white onions, carrots, celery, whole tomatoes, and garlic.
Can I freeze leftovers of this lentil chili?
Yes, leftovers can be easily refrigerated or frozen for a comforting meal at a later time.
What are some recommended side dishes for this meal?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread and a crisp salad.
How can I adjust the heat level of the chili?
You can customize the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa and adjusting the amount of chili powder to your preference.
Should I drain the juice from the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use the coarsely chopped tomatoes along with their reserved juice in the stockpot.
When is the celery added during the cooking process?
The diced celery is added after the chili has already simmered for 30 minutes.
What kind of cheese is suggested for the topping?
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for topping the chili.
How much beef stock is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 cups of beef stock.
What should I do if the chili becomes too thick while simmering?
You can stir in additional beef stock or tomato juice to reach your preferred consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef or use a plant-based substitute, and replace the beef stock with vegetable stock.
How many garlic cloves does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 2 slivered garlic cloves.
What type of onions should be used in this dish?
The recipe specifies using 2 white onions that have been peeled and coarsely chopped.
Is it necessary to wash the dried lentils?
Yes, the lentils should be washed and picked over to remove any debris before being added.
What optional garnishes can I serve with the chili?
Optional garnishes include sour cream, chopped green chilies, and hot sauce.
How much salsa should I add to the pot?
One 16-ounce jar of salsa is required for this chili recipe.
What spices are used to season the chili?
The chili is seasoned with one tablespoon of ground cumin, three tablespoons of chili powder, and one teaspoon of salt.
How should the carrots be prepared for the recipe?
Four carrots should be peeled and sliced before being added to the mixture.
What is the first step in cooking the beef and onions?
Sauté the ground beef and chopped onions in a large heavy skillet with olive oil until the beef is browned and onions are translucent.
What temperature should I use to bring the chili to a boil?
The mixture should be brought to a boil over medium heat before reducing to a simmer.
How much shredded cheese is needed for the toppings?
The recipe suggests having approximately 1/2 pound of shredded cheese ready for serving.
Can I use different brands of chili powder?
Yes, but spice levels vary by brand, so it is recommended to adjust the amount to your personal preference.
How many cans of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses two 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, the recipe calls for one teaspoon of salt.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used for sautéing the beef and onions at the beginning of the cooking process.
Should I taste the chili before serving?
Yes, you should taste the chili and adjust the seasonings, especially the chili powder for heat, before ladling it into bowls.