Vegan Lentil Chili

Categories
Added By Charlie
Added August 26, 2025
Don't knock it 'til you try it...

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c
    raw walnut halves
  • 1
    large yellow onion, cut into chunks
  • 2
    large jalapeno peppers
  • 5
    garlic cloves, peeled and smashed/minced
  • 2 T
    oil (avocado, olive, grapeseed)
  • 3 T
    chili powder (rounded tablespoons)
  • 1 T
    cumin
  • 2 t
    dried oregano
  • 2 t
    smoked paprika
  • 2 t
    mushroom powder, optional
  • 3/4 t
    salt
  • 28oz
    fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 T
    soy sauce
  • 4 c
    vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 c
    water
  • 2/3 c
    red lentils
  • 2
    15oz cans beans of your choice

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Toast the walnuts until warm and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pulse in food processor until finely ground, and transfer to small bowl.
Step 2
Add onion, jalapenos, and garlic to food processor. Blend until mostly pureed.
Step 3
Increase burner to medium heat and add oil to pot. Add the spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika) and stir frequently for about 1 minute.
Step 4
Add pureed vegetable mix (onion, jalapenos, garlic) to pot and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
Add salt, tomatoes, soy sauce, broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
Step 6
Add the lentils, beans, and ground walnuts, and stir well. Return to a simmer and cook for 15 mins, stirring occasionally.
Step 7
Let stand 5-10 minutes after you finish cooking. The chili will continue to thicken as it rests.

Additional Notes

I used a can of black beans and a can of I think navy beans.

I upped the spices by ~1/3 from the amounts listed here, and added a pound of beyond beef. I would recommend not using the beyond beef (Impossible was a lot better) - either leave it out and maybe add a 3rd can of beans, or use the Impossible, or just use ground beef if you don't care that to make it vegan. I would recommend upping the spices no matter which route you choose.

I also added half a can of plain pumpkin puree - I know it sounds weird but you don't really taste it and it does a lot to thicken up the chili.

Tags

chili vegan

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