Lentil Chili Recipe
A hearty Lentil Chili Recipe made with bacon, lentils, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeno, bold spices, and a touch of chocolate for a rich, comforting dish.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon diced (or 2 tablespoons olive oil)
- 2 cups diced onion
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno stemmed, seeded, and minced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 can 28 ounces diced tomatoes in juice
- 3 cups V-8 juice or tomato juice
- 3 cups hot water
- 2 cups brown lentils rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1 lime juiced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: sour cream and sliced avocado
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until it becomes crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve the bacon drippings in the pot. If omitting bacon, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced jalapeno, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Spices:
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and develop deeper flavor.
Add Tomatoes, Liquids, and Lentils:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, V-8 juice (or tomato juice), and hot water. Add the rinsed lentils and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover partially with a lid and simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
Finish with Chocolate and Lime Juice:
- Once the lentils have softened, stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes until the chocolate has completely melted and incorporated into the chili. Add the fresh lime juice and stir well.
Season and Serve:
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir the reserved bacon back into the pot. Ladle the chili into serving bowls and garnish with sour cream and sliced avocado, if desired.
Notes
To prepare this Lentil Chili Recipe gluten-free, ensure that the V-8 juice (or tomato juice), bacon, and chocolate are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives or be processed in facilities with gluten exposure. Additionally, verify that all spice blends used (such as chili powder and cumin) are gluten-free. The recipe itself does not contain gluten-based ingredients, making it naturally adaptable with careful ingredient selection.