Cincinnati Lentils

Transform your weeknight dinner with "Cincinnati Lentils," a hearty, plant-based twist on the classic Cincinnati chili. This recipe swaps ground meat for protein-rich lentils, cooked in a bold, aromatic sauce infused with unsweetened cocoa powder, warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, and a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar. Perfectly paired with a base of tender spaghetti, it’s a savory-sweet fusion that’s both comforting and nutritious. Customize your bowl with traditional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, kidney beans, and crunchy oyster crackers for added texture and flavor. Ready in under an hour, this vegetarian delight is a must-try for fans of bold flavors and unique dinner ideas!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 12 ounces cooked spaghetti
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 0.5 cup diced onions (for topping)
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans (optional)
• 1 cup oyster crackers (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, then add them to the pot.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the tomato paste, cocoa powder, chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, paprika, and ground allspice. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened.

Step 8

Stir in the apple cider vinegar and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9

To serve, plate a portion of cooked spaghetti, then ladle the spiced lentils over the top.

Step 10

Optional: Add shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, cooked kidney beans, and/or oyster crackers as toppings according to your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2333.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3424.4

Total Fat 112.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 120mg	0%
Sodium 5139.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 477.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 58.3g	0%
Total Sugars 32.7g
Protein 122.7g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1195.3mg	0%
Iron 33.9mg	0%
Potassium 4513.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.6%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 56.0%