Nigella Lentil Chilli​​ Recipe

This delicious and easy Lentil Chili is the perfect hearty meal for any day of the week. Packed with nutritious lentils, black beans, and a medley of spices, it’s both filling and flavourful. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a flexible and comforting dish for everyone to enjoy!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 28 oz (796g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

How To Make Lentil Chilli​​ Recipe?

1. Sauté the onion: In a large pot, warm a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the bell pepper and garlic: Stir in the green bell pepper and garlic, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
4. Add the main ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red lentils, black beans, walnuts, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and salt. Bring everything to a boil.
5. Simmer the chili: Lower the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. (If using brown or green lentils, cook for an additional 15 minutes.)
6. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt or spices to your preference. Add more chili powder or cayenne for extra heat.
7. Serve and garnish: Serve hot with your choice of toppings like vegan sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips. Pair with vegan cornbread for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips:

• Use fresh spices: Fresh chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika will give your child a better flavor. Old spices don’t taste as strong.
• Adjust the heat: Add more cayenne or chili powder for a spicier chili. If it’s too hot, try adding maple syrup or vegan sour cream to tone it down.
• Rinse the beans: Rinse the black beans to get rid of extra salt, making your chili taste better.
• Simmer for flavor: Let the chili cook for 20-30 minutes. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will mix.
• Add fresh toppings: Toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime make your chili taste even better and fresher.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the Lentil Chili cool to room temperature. Then, put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: After cooling to room temperature, place the chili in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Add a little water if needed to loosen the chili.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 252 kcal
• Total Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 711 mg
• Potassium: Not listed
• Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
• Dietary Fiber: 11 g
• Sugars: 7 g
• Protein: 12 g

Try More Nigella  Lawson Recipes:

• Nigella Lentil And Chestnut Soup ​Recipe
• Nigella Spaghetti With Chard, Chilli And Anchovies
• Nigella Chilli Jelly