Can green lentils be substituted for brown lentils?

Green lentils (also called Laird lentils) can be used interchangeably with brown lentils in recipes . They taste mild and earthy and break down a bit through cooking to result in creamier dishes.

What are considered lentils?

Lentils are the dried seeds of the lentil plant, a legume . Unlike beans, which are also legumes, lentils are never eaten fresh but always dried right after ripening.

How many calories are in lentil chili?

1 serving of lentil chili (Whole Foods Market) contains 127 Calories . The macronutrient breakdown is 67% carbs, 4% fat, and 28% protein. This is a good source of protein (16% of your Daily Value), fiber (35% of your Daily Value), and potassium (9% of your Daily Value).

Which color lentil is healthiest?

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils) Thanks to the robust flavor, these lentils pair well with meaty veggies and marinated proteins like mushrooms, tofu, and seitan. Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Are green lentils healthier than brown lentils?

Experts consider green lentils healthier than the other varieties . One-half cup of cooked lentils has: Calories: 140. Fat: 0.5 grams.

Are lentils more carbs or protein?

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates , while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

How to avoid gas after eating lentils?

How Can You Eat Lentils Without Getting Gassy? Add fiber-rich foods slowly. ... Drink water. ... Avoid other behaviors that might make you feel gassy if you're adding more fiber to your diet, like chewing gum. Soak lentils before cooking them to minimize the gas they might cause.

Are lentils good for your gut?

Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut . Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.

Do brown and green lentils cook the same?

Green Lentils They are similar to brown lentils but have thicker skin that helps the lentils keep their shape during cooking. This also means they take longer to prepare, with a cook time of about 45 minutes. You can expect a more peppery taste from green lentils.

Can I use green lentils instead of brown in soup?

If you'd prefer to use common green or brown lentils, that's fine . Just watch the cooking time carefully as they can get mushy if overcooked.

What is the closest to brown lentils?

Green lentils are similar in size and shape to brown lentils but have a slightly peppery flavor and a firmer texture. They typically hold their shape well when cooked.

Does it matter what color lentils you use?

In general, the brown and green varieties retain their shape well (some more fully than others), whereas the hulled and, most particularly, split red and yellow lentils tend to disintegrate and, therefore, are best for soups or in applications where they'll be pureed.

Vegan Lentil Chili Recipe - Cookin Canuck

Published: Jun 15, 2021 · Modified: Sep 7, 2021 by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 23 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

The flavors in this Vegan Lentil Chili are rich, comforting and beyond delicious! You'll never miss the meat.

Whether you're following a plant based diet or are just trying to work more meatless meals into your life, this vegan lentil chili recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal plan! It has just the right amount of spice for our family, but feel free to reduce or increase the amount of chili powder to your taste. If you like things really spicy, stir in some chopped chipotle peppers or some cayenne pepper.

Lentils and black beans are packed with fiber, which makes this chili extra filling and satisfying. I usually serve it with a green salad - cornbread as well if I'm feeling particularly ambitious.

The recipe also happens to be gluten free and dairy free (provided you don't sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top).

There are a couple of unusual ingredients in here that I stole from my favorite chili recipe. Unsweetened cocoa powder and ground cinnamon. I was originally inspired by a mole sauce at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. Many moles include chocolate and cinnamon. So, I thought, why not give it a go in my next batch of chili. I wasn't disappointed! They add an underlying depth of flavor to the chili - though you can't actually identify those flavors when eating the chili - and I never make chili without them again.

If you're looking for more easy dinner recipe, check out my 45+ 30-Minute Healthy Dinner Ideas.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS VEGAN LENTIL CHILI RECIPE:

These are the main components need for this recipe (affiliate links included)…

Lentils: Both brown and green lentils work in this recipe. Since the cooking time is similar, they're easily substituted for the other. Plus, they're both readily available in most grocery stores.
Tomatoes: You'll need tomato paste and canned crushed tomatoes. If you have the option to buy tomato paste in the tube, I highly recommend it. It's so much easier to deal with than canned tomato paste, particularly if you're not using the whole can.
Spices: This chili recipe calls for the usual suspects - chili powder, cumin and oregano - and a couple of unexpected ones - cinnamon and unsweetened cocoa powder. I rarely make chili without them anymore!
Broth: Use either homemade or store-bought vegetable broth. If you are watching your sodium, use a low sodium version.
Black beans: For ease, I use canned black beans. Be sure to drain and rinse well before adding them to the chili. Red kidney beans would be a good substitution.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Tips for making this vegan chili:

This chili follows the same basic steps of most chilis, stews and soups. Start by sauteing the aromatics - in this case, that's the onion and red bell pepper. Next up are the garlic, spices and tomato paste. Be sure to stir constantly while cooking these for a minute or two so they don't stick to the bottom of the saucepan or burn.

Because you are using several spices, I recommend measuring them out and combining them in a prep bowl while the onion is cooking. Once the onion and bell pepper are cooked, you can add the garlic and all of the spices in one fell swoop.

Can you freeze lentil chili?

Yes! Once the chili is cool, divide it into freezer containers, like these ones (affiliate link), and freeze. The chili can be frozen for 4 to 6 months. To defrost, place it in the freezer, or use the defrost mode on your microwave.

What to serve on the side:

Since this chili already boasts a good amount of fiber and protein, I typically serve a big salad on the side. That being said, if you like something creamy with your chili, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream (look for vegan alternatives if following a plant-based diet).

Some of our favorite salads to serve with chili:
Any green salad (kale, mixed greens, spinach) with tahini dressing

Is lentil chili healthy?

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, lentils are a good source of fiber, potassium and folate. In addition, they also contain prebiotics (hello, gut health!) Plus, they’re a great source of plant-based protein.

This vegetarian chili also contains black beans, which boast their own health benefits, including impressive levels of fiber and protein.

Other lentil recipes:

Instant Pot Lentil Dal
Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sweet Potato

Printable Recipe

Vegan Lentil Chili Recipe

The flavors in this Vegan Lentil Chili are rich, comforting and beyond delicious! You'll never miss the meat.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
½ yellow onion chopped
1 red bell pepper diced
3 garlic cloves minced
¼ cup chili powder
2 teasoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth
1 ¼ cups dry brown or green lentils
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can black beans drained & rinsed
3 tablespoons minced cilantro

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Stir in the vegetable broth, lentils and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat so that the mixture is simmering. Partially cover the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
Stir in the black beans and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro. Serve.

Notes

Weight Watchers Points: 1 (Blue - Freestyle SP) / 6 (Green) / 1 (Purple)

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I provide nutritional information for my recipes as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using the Sparks nutrition calculator and Weight Watchers points are calculated using the Recipe Builder on their site. While I attempt to provide information that is as accurate as possible, you should calculate the nutritional information independently before relying on it.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

This post was first published on January 2, 2020 and updated with new text on June 15, 2021.

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Vegan Lentil Chili Recipe - Cookin Canuck - Meatless Dinner (2024)