French Lentil Chili

French Lentil Chili | In Jennie's Kitchen

My kids love my usual chili, and I’m a little shy to admit that it’s not my usual from scratch cooking. Instead, it’s more a can of this, and jar of that, unless I have homemade salsa (the jarred kind) and leftover cooked beans (that happens 50% of the time). One thing for certain, unless it’s peak corn season—the corn is always frozen, and that’s a perfectly fine ingredient in my book. That chili is the total opposite of this French Lentil Chili.

It’s not to say this French Lentil Chili is complicated. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The main difference is this chili is one I love because lentils are my bean of choice. The fact that they’re quick cooking is a big bonus, too. The whole chili comes together in about an hour, and it’s a great heat and eat meal, so put up a pot on the weekend, and you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner.

french-lentil-chili-final-01

French lentils, instead of red or green lentils, are always my lentil of choice. They have character, and maintain their shape when cooked, even if you overcook them a bit (hey, it happens to the best of us). I had homemade jarred tomato puree, so that was a nice touch here, but any plain, unseasoned tomato puree will work fine.

French Lentil Chili | In Jennie's Kitchen

I like to serve this topped with roasted butternut squash (recipe coming soon!). You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or just as-is. My kids would revolt if I served chili without shredded cheddar cheese. I skipped it on mine, but I’ll let you decide for yourself, so skip it, add it, use a different cheese altogether. That’s the beauty of cooking at home. You’re the boss in the kitchen.

French Lentil Chili | In Jennie's Kitchen

Seven Years Ago: Vegetable Fried Rice

Six Years Ago: 10-Minute Lentil Soup

Five Years Ago: Chocolate Snaps

Four Years Ago: Brown Butter Pumpkin Seed Cookies

Three Years Ago: Apple Breakfast Bars

Two Years Ago: Turmeric Tea

One Year Ago: Wilted Kale Salad

This recipe is now part of my new site, Simmering.  Join thousands of other paid subscribers now for only $5/month or $30/year (that’s six months free!). 

 

SaveSave

17 Comments