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Various cheap dinner ideas presented on a kitchen table

Hearty Lentil & Veggie Chili

This hearty lentil and veggie chili is a delicious and nutritious meal packed with flavor. It's perfect for a cozy dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive)
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup dry brown or green lentils rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
  • plain yogurt or sour cream
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • shredded cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly tender.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano; cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the pot and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing them to heat through and flavors to meld.
  7. Season the chili with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream, chopped cilantro, or shredded cheese, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can sauté a bell pepper along with the onion, carrot, and celery. This chili can be made ahead of time and reheats wonderfully; flavors often improve the next day.