There's a small sandwich shop in my hometown that is a staple. The food isn't anything special but the tradition around the restaurant is there. Half the menu consists of loaded potatoes smothered with meats, nacho cheese, steamed vegetables, and of course, chili. I've made chili loaded fries before but these chili lentils are a bit easier and just as delicious. Make sure you find or make a solid chili powder- it's the foundation for the entire meal.
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An easy, vegan vegetarian dinner that features red lentils cooked with chili powder and used to smother baked sweet potatoes.
Tips & Tricks: You could add the tomatoes in with the vegetable broth but occasionally, depending on how old the lentils are, I’ve had trouble getting them tender.
Stock up: get the pantry ingredients you will need: Lentils, Crushed Tomatoes, Cumin, Smoked Paprika
Nutrition: See the information.
Red lentils are a must in my kitchen. It's an easy to cook protein that soaks up flavors. These chili lentils happen when I don't feel like having full-blown chili but still want something similar. A few ways to switch up the recipe:
Polenta: For the ultimate comfort meal, I love these chili lentils on top of polenta. Or you could go for the ultimate meal: a sweet potato polenta with chili lentils.
Greens: Stir in kale, chard, or spinach towards the end of cooking for a pop of green.
Yogurt: I wanted to leave these vegan but you could always top the chili lentils with a dollop of yogurt and/or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Lentils are a must in my pantry. I keep red lentils on hand for quick soups, stews, and creamy meals while I have brown lentils on hand to make my favorite lentil bites. Black and French lentils tend to rotate but both hold up well in salads, tacos, enchiladas, and most places you might use chickpeas. A few of my favorite lentil recipes include:
Curried Carrot Soup
Harissa Lentils and Cauliflower
Red Lentil Masala with Spinach
I made this because had nearly all items in the pantry (except the smoked paprika). The paprika has a deep and delicious flavor making the chili taste like it was cooked for hours, when the recipe was actually really quick to make! I loved this and I will be making it again!
I've just finished making this and tasted the first bite. It's so good, I couldn't wait to review! This recipe is magic. The individual ingredients are so simple but the finished meal is out of this world! I make your curry cauliflower pita pockets regularly. This recipe is going in the regular rotation now too. Yum!
Cooked this tonight - it was great! I'll definitely make it again.
Fantastic recipe! I've made it several times and it is so delicious and satisfying.