Are you looking for a warm, hearty meal that’s both healthy and easy to make? Look no further than our delicious Instant Pot vegan lentil chili recipe! This cozy dish is perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegan Lentil Chili Recipe
Imagine coming home to a steaming bowl of flavorful chili packed with protein-rich lentils and aromatic spices. This easy vegan lentil chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. With your Instant Pot, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for family dinners where everyone can add their personal touch. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather everything we need to make this tasty vegan lentil chili. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot โ most of these ingredients are pantry staples!
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
Red lentils | 1/2 cup |
Green lentils | 1 1/2 cups |
Tomato sauce | 3 cans |
Vegetable broth | 15 ounces |
Diced tomatoes with green chilies | 1 can |
Red kidney beans | 1 can (15 ounces) |
Chili powder | 2 tablespoons |
Mexican oregano | 2 teaspoons |
Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
How to Make Your Vegan Lentil Chili
Now that we have all our ingredients ready let’s dive into making this delicious chili. The best part? It’s mostly a “dump and go” recipe, perfect for busy days!
- Start by turning on your Instant Pot to the sautรฉ function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.
- Toss in the chopped onion and cook it for about a minute until it starts to smell good. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re really short on time, you can skip it.
- Now comes the fun part โ adding all the other ingredients! Pour in the rinsed red and green lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and kidney beans.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, and salt. Don’t forget to add the maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that balances out the flavors.
- Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
- Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Press the “Bean/Chili” button and set the timer for 12 minutes.
- Now, you can relax! The Instant Pot will take about 8-10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
- When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure using a spoon to move the valve.
- Open the lid and give your chili a stir. It should be thick, hearty, and smell amazing!
Serving Your Vegan Lentil Chili
Photo Credit: freepik
One of the best things about chili is the toppings! Set up a little topping bar so everyone can customize their bowl. Here are some great options:
- Vegan cheese (or regular if you’re not strictly vegan)
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped red onions
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Vegan sour cream or Greek yogurt
You can even serve this chili over a baked potato for an extra hearty meal. The possibilities are endless!
Why This Vegan Lentil Chili is a Winner
This easy vegan lentil chili recipe is more than just a tasty meal. It’s packed with plant-based protein from the lentils, making it filling and satisfying. The mix of red and green lentils gives the chili a great texture โ the red lentils break down and thicken the chili, while the green lentils keep their shape for a nice bite.
Plus, this recipe is super flexible. You can adjust the spices to your liking, add different vegetables, or switch up the beans. It’s also great for meal prep โ make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Wrapping Up
There you have it โ a delicious, easy vegan lentil chili recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights. It’s so hearty and flavorful that you won’t even miss the meat. Plus, with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have this comforting meal on the table in no time.
So why not give this vegan lentil chili a try? It’s a great way to add more plant-based meals to your diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. And who knows? It might just become your new favorite comfort food!
Ready to get cooking? Grab your Instant Pot, and let’s make some chili!
FAQs
Can I make this vegan lentil chili without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can. Use a large pot on the stove. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally until lentils are tender.
Is this chili recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your spice labels to be sure.
Can I freeze this vegan lentil chili?
Absolutely! It freezes well. Store in airtight containers. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How spicy is this chili?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the chili powder to your taste. Add less for milder chili or more for extra heat.
Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes, you can. Brown lentils work well too. Cooking times may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Brown sugar or agave nectar are good alternatives. They add a similar touch of sweetness.
Is this chili recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days. It’s great for batch cooking.
Can I add vegetables to this chili?
Sure! Bell peppers, carrots, or corn are great additions. Add them with the other ingredients.
Photo Credit: freepik