Delicious Hearty Lentil and Bean Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Looking for a scrumptious and protein-packed vegetarian chili option? Our Hearty Lentil and Bean Vegetarian Chili recipe is the answer. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, it's a satisfying dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 1 zucchini, finely diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 (15 oz) cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
• Juice of 1 lime
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Grated cheddar cheese or vegan cheese, optional
• Sour cream or dairy-free yogurt, optional

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Incorporate diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with finely diced carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

4. Stir in finely diced zucchini and corn kernels. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

5. Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat vegetables in spices.

6. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

7. Add drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.

8. Mix in the cooked lentils, providing a natural and protein-rich element.

9. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.

10. Adjust seasonings as needed. For thicker chili, let it simmer longer to reduce liquid.

11. Before serving, squeeze in lime juice and stir.

12. Serve the hearty lentil and bean vegetarian chili hot, garnished with cilantro. Offer grated cheese and sour cream or yogurt if desired.

13. Enjoy this nourishing and satisfying vegetarian chili with your preferred accompaniments!

With its robust blend of lentils, beans, and vegetables, this chili delivers a nourishing and flavorful experience, perfect for embracing the comfort of a classic chili while savoring the plant-based goodness.