Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

Slow Cooker Lentil Chili - is simply a dump and forget easy weeknight meal in the crockpot that takes just 10-minutes of prep time.

Just throw in a can of diced tomatoes with tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, uncooked brown or green lentils, and your favorite spices in the slow cooker with vegetable stock or water and slow cook for 6 hours.

You can also make Slow Cooker Lentil and Rice {4 Basic Ingredients} or these 30+ Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Cozy and Lazy Evenings

Jump to:

• Origin of Chili
• Easy Lentil Chili
• Healthy Hearty and Comforting Chili ❤️
• Chilly Winter Means Slow Cooker Chili
• Ingredients
• How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Chili {Step By Step Photos}
• What type of Lentils Should I Use
• Do I need to Soak the Lentils?
• Cooking Variations
• What Kind of Toppings Should I Use?
• Freezing Instructions
• Refrigeration
• Recipe
• Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

Origin of Chili

Chili is a popular dish all over United States. Legend holds that the recipe for Chili was brought by immigrants from Canary Islands to San Antonio, Texas.

While some believe that Chili traces it origin back to Mexico where it was called chili con carne - meaning - chili with meat. Traditionally, deer meat was used to make chili. But, apparently, Chili Did Not Originate in Mexico.

These days people make chili with all kinds of meat. From Turkey, to sausages, to beef and etc.

But, the thing that is taking the lime light and the center stage, at the moment is Vegetarian Chili.

People are switching to Plant based dinners. A latest diet trend shows that more than most people are choosing Plant Based Flexitarian Diet and Mediterranean Diet.

These facts surely puts us in the right place.

Easy Lentil Chili

Meatless Lentil Chili is my favorite. Just like this Crock-Pot Black Bean and Quinoa Chili and Easy Vegetarian Skillet Chili and this Award-Winning Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili with Black Bean

No matter what, there is something so comforting about using lentils in your chili right? I love to use lentil for my weeknight dinners.

Here are some of my favorite Lentil recipes:

• Instant Pot Lentil soup recipe
• Vegan Lentil Coconut Curry in Crockpot
• Vegan Lentil Loaf {Vegan Meatloaf}
• Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe {Vegan}
• Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti

Healthy Hearty and Comforting Chili ❤️

I am switching over to a more plant based dinner than meat. These days I have been so surprised to know that Lentils are so healthy for us. Lentils are about 10 times healthier than any meat product. Rich in Protein, Abundant Source of Fiber and Low in Fat.

Only thing, we miss that meaty taste!

Well, now you won't. You see we need to trick our brain so that we get the best of both worlds. And, my secret tip to transform any vegetarian or vegan dinner recipe into a "meaty" one is to introduce some coconut oil or coconut milk in it.

I am a huge fan of coconut milk. At any given point of time you are sure to find about 3-4 cans of coconut milk in my refrigerator. Therefore, I use it more than most of the times in my recipes.

Result - Meaty taste, Vegan, and Full of Flavors.

Chilly Winter Means Slow Cooker Chili

Chilly Winter = Slow Cooker Chili. Hearty, Chunky, Comforting, Chili is the best way to wake up to a cold winter morning. besides coffee of, course 😄 Here are some of my favorite Plant Based Meals for Chilly days.

This Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is made with basic pantry ingredients and you are definitely gonna like it.

Ingredients

• medium diced onions white or yellow onions
• diced petite tomatoes with juices
• tomato paste
• minced garlic 
• brown lentils - uncooked (you can also use green or red lentils)
• kidney beans 
• black beans 
• chili powder
• ground cumin
• ground cinnamon
• smoked paprika
• sweet paprika
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• Dry Mustard
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• coconut milk - you can replace this with same amount of vegetable broth or water
• fresh cilantro for garnish
• freshly grated vegan cheddar cheese or any other vegan cheese for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Chili {Step By Step Photos}

Add Onions and Garlic

Add diced onions, freshly minced garlic, can of diced tomatoes, and a can of tomato paste in the slow cooker.

Add Lentils and Beans

Add Brown lentils, can of Kidney Beans, and a can of black beans into the slow cooker.

Add spices

Add Spices that you Like. I like to use Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Sweet Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Cinnamon, Dry Mustard, Kosher Salt, and Freshly ground Black pepper into the slow cooker.

Add Coconut Milk

Finally Pour in coconut milk. In case you don't want to use coconut milk, just replace it with the same amount of water or vegetable broth.

Slow Cook

Finally, Slow cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 4 hours.

Garnish and Serve

Lastly, Just garnish with your favorite toppings (tortilla chips or sour cream or yogurt or chopped cilantro or pickled red onions and etc.) Serve right away.

What type of Lentils Should I Use

I think green and brown lentils are the one that you should go for. You can also choose red lentils but they cook very fast and by the time you are done cooking they might break apart or become mushy.

Brown lentils have a light mild earthy flavor. While Green lentils have a nutty and a peppery taste to itself. But, both of them won't break apart when cooked.

Do I need to Soak the Lentils?

No, you don't have to soak your lentils. Just rinse them under cool water and then you are good to go.

Cooking Variations

• Veggies - You can choose any veggies that you like. From diced bell peppers, to sweet potatoes, to Carrots, to Celery, to Corn, and etc.
• Bay Leaf - Dried Bay leaf that is full of aroma will make your Slow Cooker lentil chili stand out.
• Jalapeños - Chopped Jalapeños are generally used in chili recipes for that spice and heat. You can add it if you want.
• Dried oregano - Again, this is a popular herb that is commonly added in a chili recipe. You can add it if you want.

What Kind of Toppings Should I Use?

You are free to use your favorite toppings for this chili recipe. However, I have made Vegan Lentil Chili and therefore I haven't used toppings like Sour Cream.

But, if you are not thinking about making Vegan Slow Cooker lentil Chili then you can add in Sour Cream, Yogurt and Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Other than that you can use freshly chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, or avocados.

You can also use tortilla chips or Cornbread or any other crusty bread.

You can also use picked red onions or Lime Wedges to garnish your chili.

Freezing Instructions

This is the best part about making a Slow Cooker Lentil Chili. You can freeze this for at least two months. BUT, iff stored appropriately.

I suggest you divide the leftovers into single servings. Allow them to cool down completely in the refrigerator. Cover them with a plastic wrap and store them in the freezer (without toppings) for up to 2 months.

When craving chili, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or keep it on the counter top for few hours. Then simply microwave and enjoy. You can also reheat your chili on the stove.

Refrigeration

If you got some leftovers, lucky you! Because, this tastes the best on the second day.

Just allow it to cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container (not tupperware). You can refrigerate for up to 4 days.

When craving for some chili just warm it up in the oven.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Love

• Sweet Corn Casserole
• Crockpot Zucchini Baked Ziti
• Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon & Maple

Recipe