Because I can’t talk about being on baby watch for another day…
Yesterday my restlessness induced me into the kitchen. Although it felt good to get in there, I didn’t feel up for a long laboring effort at the stove. So I tried a new method on a recipe I found on the Whole Foods website. And yum! You’ve got to try this baby out!
Please tell me you caught my weak attempt at humor? 😉
In all seriousness, this chili is so wonderfully easy (thanks to the slow cooker!) and can simmer all day long- not to mention the fact that it’s packed full of iron, anti-inflammatory benefits and vitamin c, too, thanks to the red pepper. Also, it’s high in fiber.
Vegan Lentil Chili
- 8 cups vegetable broth (I used stock- same thing?)
- 1 package dried lentils
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or cheat and use pre-minced garlic like me!)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more if you’re a cilantro fan like me)
- 4 tsp chili powder (not pictured- oops)
Rinse your lentils well, but no need to soak.
And chop up your veggies.
Put everything, EXCEPT for the cilantro, into the slow cooker. Mix it all up.
Set it (on low)… and forget it!
Well, you won’t forget in entirely because your house will smell wonderful!
I let this cook on low for about 8 hours and it was delicious. However, I’ll bet adding another hour would have been fine, too.
When ready to serve, uncover and stir in cilantro.
Then serve it up!
This is a great, easy recipe for Meatless Mondays. Lots of flavor. Feel free to add some Texas Pete if you desire more of a kick.
I ate some, stuck some in the fridge and froze some, too, for a healthy dinner on the fly. YUM! It says it makes 8 servings, but I thought it would go a lot further than serving 8.
However, for 1/8 of the pot…
120 calories
0g fat
21g carbohydrate
6g protein
Is it chili weather where you are?
The high here is supposed to be in the 90s… but by Friday, a high of 70?
Crazy Carolinas!
blackhuff says
Chili for cold weather sure is good but I love chili no matter what the weather is 🙂
Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews says
I never thought to use lentils in chili. What a great idea!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
It was 50 degrees when I woke up this morning! I loved it. I am so ready for cooler weather (not feet of snow and blizzards, but the cooler Fall weather is amazing).
I actually planned to make a chili tonight!
Tiff says
Looks great! I use the Whole Foods website quite a bit for recipes. They’re hit or miss, but this looks like a hit. Thanks for testing it out for me 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
We’re getting into the mid 60’s by Friday for at least 4 days according to weather.com. I cannot wait! I love chili, but it’s got to be colder for me to crave it.
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
I just stumbled upon your blog and I love this recipe! It looks so simple and I love the idea that I don’t have to stand over the stove and watch it cook!!
Brooke @ Veggie Table says
Ahh – yummy! You had me at cilantro!!!! It’s still pretty hot in lower Alabama – I’m so ready for fall temperatures!!!
Kelly @foodiefresh says
I am sooo excited about the cool weekend! Fingers crossed for you that today is the day you get to meet your baby. 🙂
Jen says
i’m looking for slow cooker recipes to add to the dinner rotation once it gets cooler. this looks great!
Sarah says
I made veggie chili last night, too. I’ve never tried making it with lentils- your version looks fantastic!
Jen says
Oh yum, this looks incredible. Fall = slow cooker meals for me 🙂
Praying Baby D comes today!
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well says
I really need to be using my slow cooker more often! It is definitely cooling off up here in VA. It is supposed to only be a high of 65 this weekend! Bring it on 🙂 Maybe I’ll have to whip up a batch of chili this week to prepare for it.
Lauren says
My last roommates had a slow cooker and I used it all.the.time. Now that I don’t have one, I’m kind of at a loss. Christmas list?!
Karlee says
Yummy I just made veg chili too! So good and easy. I love soups, good way to get lots of veggies in.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
our weather is supposed to be the same up here in VA!
…c’mon, baby. really?
Becky @ Fit Chick on the Fly says
I put cilantro on everything!
Probably why I love mexican food so much 🙂
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
Looks delish!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Oh yum that looks really good! I can’t wait until the weather cools down here and I can justify more soups and stews 🙂
Savannah @ Sweet and Savvy says
The chili looks great! 🙂 Hope the delivery speeds along!
Roz@weightingfor50 says
That looks yummy. OOOH…just think, by next week Baby D will be here. YAY!!!! Take care.
Ashley says
I welcome any + ALL vegetarian crockpot recipes. This looks fantastic!! [come on bay-beeeeee!!!]
Terra says
I am reading this post as you are having your baby, so I did a SQUEEEE!!! So excited for you:-) This chili sounds so good. I love chili, soup, Fall, all of it makes me happy! Sending hugs, Terra
Kimberly says
In Wisconsin, it went from 90 degrees to 40 degrees within 2 or 3 days. I had the air conditioning on yesterday. Today? I’m wearing a sweatershirt and have two blankets on me. Crazy weather… but it’s always crazy here.
Meg @ A Dash of Meg says
I NEED TO MAKE THIS! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Louise says
It doesn’t look like chilli as it is too watery but more like a soup. Whatever, I bet it tasted good
C says
Giving this recipe a shot today – thanks for posting. It would be really helpful if you would post the weight and/or volume of the packaged ingredients in future recipes.
Brittany says
You are so right! I really need to work on my recipe writing skills. I am a work in progress, but will try to do better. Thanks!