Make this meatless Lentil Chili as hot as you’d like!
So satisfying! This recipe for meatless lentil chili is a fresh, very mildly spicy, and healthy plant-based version of chili you’ll love. Don’t bother adding meat to it; because it’s loaded with protein and vitamins. Using sprouted lentils or just regular ones; this is really tasty and nutritious.
What are sprouted lentils?
Have you ever tried sprouting lentils? Just soak them in water at room temperature in a bowl. Soon after you’ll see the beginnings of little white tails! That is just how simple and easy it is to do.
Why Sprout Dried Lentils Before Eating?
When you sprout lentils or other legumes, you make them easier to digest and you also increase their nutritional content, a very long list of vitamins, especially vitamins B and C.
How Long Does it Take to Sprout Dried Lentils?
If you’re hungry now, try sprouting next time. But, if you can plan in advance; it takes about 12 hours of soaking, then about 2 ½ days later they will be ready to eat. And it’s so worth it!
How to Easily Sprout Dried Lentils:
Rinse ½ cup lentils, remove any stones or debris, and place in a quart-size sprouting jar, other sprouting container, or a mason jar with a ring. Add 2 cups water, cover jar with a sprouting screen or mesh sprouting lid. You can also use cheesecloth or a coffee filter, then the ring to tighten. Soak lentils for 2 1/2 days, or until tiny white sprouts form. Drain and rinse lentils thoroughly.
- 1 C Dried Green Lentils (sprouted if desired)
- 4 C Water
- 1 T Olive oil
- 1 ½ C Chopped white onion
- 1 T Garlic, minced
- 1 (15.25oz.) can Red kidney beans, no salt (otherwise omit salt below)
- 1 (28oz.) can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 ½ t Chili Powder, or to taste
- 1 t Ground Cumin
- 1 t Pure maple syrup
- ½ t Kosher sea salt, adjust accordingly to taste
- ¼ t Freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired
- Cook the lentils according to package directions. For Green lentils, in a large chili pot, heat 4 cups of water until hot.
- Add lentils and gently simmer over medium heat with lid tilted until desired tenderness, about 20 minutes.
- Set aside, but, do not drain.
- In a large pot, heat oil and cook onions over med-high heat for about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic, and cook, stirring for another 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes and rest of seasonings, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat; about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to med-low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
You might also like these soup recipes or these tips on flavoring bean recipes.
