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One Pot Red Lentil Chili in a rustic bowl topped with cilantro, avocado, and lime on a wooden table

One Pot Red Lentil Chili

This One Pot Red Lentil Chili is a time-saving, hearty dish packed with flavor that comes together in under an hour. Enjoy this healthy red lentil chili for a quick vegan meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil
  • 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 tsp each sea salt and black pepper (divided, plus more to taste)
  • 1 small jalapeño, diced (seeds optional for spice)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (~2 Tbsp)
  • 3 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 ¾ cup water
  • 3/4 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, slightly drained
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, slightly drained
  • 1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 15-ounce can corn, drained (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil, onion, and red pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, stir, and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Crush jalapeño and garlic into a paste or finely mince. Add to the pot with onion mixture, seasoning with more salt and pepper.
  3. Add 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, paprika, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, add lentils, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure lentils stay submerged—add water if needed.
  5. Mix in beans, remaining chili powder (1 Tbsp), cumin, and a pinch of salt. Add corn if using. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes on low.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Add coconut sugar to balance heat if necessary.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or red onion.

Notes

Pro Tip: Looking for convenience? Pre-minced garlic or canned corn works great in this recipe.