Low Fat Hearty Lentil Chili

Warm up with a bowl of Low Fat Hearty Lentil Chili, a nutritious and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with protein-rich brown lentils, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, and an aromatic blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this chili delivers bold flavors without the extra calories. Simmered in a tomato-based broth and studded with red kidney beans and sweet corn, it’s a wholesome, plant-based option that’s as hearty as it is healthy. Ready in just an hour with minimal prep, this gluten-free and low-fat recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Serve it piping hot and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of brightness!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 8.5 ounces canned corn, drained
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are soft.

Step 3

Add minced garlic and bell pepper to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth.

Step 5

Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Stir in the red kidney beans and corn, then let the chili continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2896.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1729.8

Total Fat 42.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.8g
Cholesterol 8.5mg	0%
Sodium 6561.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 280.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 79.8g	0%
Total Sugars 63.2g
Protein 75.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 653.9mg	0%
Iron 29.4mg	0%
Potassium 7041.9mg	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: 21.0%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 62.3%