Vegan 3 Bean Chili with Lentils

One of my favorite things to eat since my 2 year vegan journey has been lentils. They are packed with nutrients, easy to make and can create so many awesome dishes. For that extra protein you can make a delicious pot of chili. I recommend this 3 bean chili recipe because it is packed with protein, iron, magnesium and is a sure way to become full on a vegan diet while being totally satisfied.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of pinto beans

1/2 cup of black beans

1/2 cup of small red beans

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon of garlic and onion powder

2 stalks of celery

3 chili peppers

1 cup of red lentils

2 medium sized chopped tomatoes

1 small purple onion

1 small red/ bell pepper

5 pegs of garlic (part of the clove)

3 stalks of green onions finely chopped

A sprinkle of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

3 bay leaves

Vegan chili done right

Preparation

• Wash and cook your beans in a large pan of water with some salt until fully cooked. Save that water to use to cook your lentils. You can opt for can beans and skip this entire step.

• Chop all of your vegetables and set them aside.

• To a hot pan with your favorite oil (coconut oil not recommended), add your red chili, garlic, celery, bay leaves, onions and lentils. Add the water from your beans. When halfway cooked, add the rest of your chopped seasonings and tomato paste.

• Cook for an additional 5 minutes then add your spices including smoked paprika, salt (or adobo), cayenne pepper, garlic and onion powder.

• Add your beans and stir. Cook on medium to low heat until the flavors blossom and everything is blended well.

This 3 bean chili is thick, full of depth and flavor, especially with the smoked paprika. Rich in iron, for those who are anemic or seeking a high protein vegan meal.

Serve with your favorite side dish. I like mine with organic chips, flatbread and avocado

Serve with your favorite vegan chips, rice or homemade flatbread. I love to add avocado or make guacamole! We made our own spinach flatbread and they came out soft and moist. All ingredients can be found at your local WholeFoods or Kroger. The bowls are the latest to my collection and you can find similar ones on Amazon.

I hope that you will enjoy this quick vegan treat. Check out our vegan stew peas and our featured story in Focus on the Family -Kitchen Romance. We have other vegan recipes in our lifestyle section!

If you are not vegan but on a journey to health and wellness, check out my ebook Let Your Food Be Your Medicine: Eating What is Around You.

Let Your Food Be Your Medicine: Eating What is Around You

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