Red Lentil Chili (Review)
on May 29, 2024, Updated Jul 16, 2024
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Looking for a nutritious and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare? Look no further than Chef AJ’s Red Lentil Chili! This bean-less chili is perfect for busy days when you need something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into our review of this flavorful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey, friends! Stephanie here! Here at Plantiful Table, we’re all about easy, nutritious meals that fit into our busy schedules. When we came across Chef AJ’s Red Lentil Chili, we knew we had to give it a try. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time in the Instant Pot, it’s perfect for hectic weekdays. Plus, we’re always up for exploring new Instant Pot recipes, and this one did not disappoint!
Given my busy schedule, I need meals that are both effortless and delicious. Chef AJ’s red lentil soup fits the bill perfectly. The recipe is so straightforward that even someone new to cooking can whip it up with ease.
This soup features simple ingredients like red lentils, canned tomatoes, and fresh produce and spices. It’s a wholesome and nutritious meal that doesn’t require any fancy techniques or special equipment. For someone like me, balancing a hectic lifestyle, having such a reliable and healthy recipe is a true blessing on nights when time is short, but a homemade meal is still a priority.
Key Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the key ingredients and their nutritional benefits:
- Red Lentils: Packed with protein and fiber, red lentils are a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for salt-free fire-roasted tomatoes for added flavor without the sodium.
- Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, red bell peppers add color and flavor to the chili.
- Pitted Dates: A unique addition that adds natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick and helps enhance the overall flavor of the chili.
- Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes add depth and heat to the dish.
- Nutritional Yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor without the need for dairy, perfect for a vegan chili.
The Process
Making Chef AJ’s Red Lentil Chili is a breeze:
- Blend tomatoes, red pepper, dates, and garlic until smooth.
- Add the puree, lentils, and remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative with toppings and sides. Consider adding crushed tortilla chips, avocado, or plant-based sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
- And don’t forget to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh for later use.
Keepin’ It Fresh: How to Store the Red Lentil Chili
For storing leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to a glass container with a lid. Mason jars are a convenient option, especially with plastic lids for easy storage. If freezing, cool the chili and store it in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags for future use.
Chef AJ’s Red Lentil Chili (Review)
Equipment
- Blender
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound red lentils
- 8 cups water
- 1 (29 oz) can tomatoes, fire-roasted and salt-free preferred
- 6 ounces tomato paste, salt-free
- 10 ounces onion, chopped, approximately one large
- 1 pound red bell pepper, approximately 4
- 3 ounces pitted dates, approximately 12 Deglet Noor dates
- 8 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tbsp parsley flakes
- 1½ tbsp oregano
- 1½ tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chipotle powder, or more to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 1 cup nuts, or seeds
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp salt-free seasoning
Instructions
- Blend the dates, garlic, tomatoes, and red bell peppers in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Place all remaining ingredients into the Instant Pot and cook on Manual at high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally or quick release and enjoy immediately. Served over a baked potato and sprinkled with some faux parmesan, this absolutely rocks!
- OPTIONAL: In a food processor fitted with the “S” blade or in a blender, combine all ingredients until a powdery texture is achieved. If you like it more chunky, process less.
The Verdict
This high fiber nutrition bomb of a soup hit the spot for us. In our quest to make a bunch of Chef AJ’s Instant Pot recipes, we discovered just how handy it is to have frozen soup in the freezer to eat later when you’re in a pinch. The soup very much reminded us of the flavor of black bean enchiladas… and who doesn’t love those? We would definitely make this one again.
