Plant-Based Beef Lentil Chili

This plant-based chili* is hearty, savory and an easy go-to option when trying to feed the whole crew! The mix of seared plant-based ground beef, like Beyond Beef, vegetables and refreshing toppings blend together for a flavorful and comforting bowl of deliciousness.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1lb/16oz package of plant-based ground beef, like Beyond Beef
• 15 oz can of no-sodium fire roasted tomatoes
• 3 cups black lentils, cooked
• 1 red bell pepper, medium diced
• 1 ear of sweet corn, kernels cut off the cob
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, medium diced
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1 Tbsp paprika powder
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked chipotle powder
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, crushed
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For Garnish

• 1 Tbsp green onion, sliced thin
• 1 Tbsp garlic chili crema
• 1/4 cup avocado, diced (optional)

Garlic Chili Crema

• 3 cloves roasted garlic
• 1 roasted jalapeño
• 1/4 roasted yellow onion
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 cup plant-based sour cream
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp salt

PER SERVING

Calories: 400
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 700mg
Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary fiber: 12g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 25g

Directions

1. Cut all the vegetables and set aside.
2. Cook black lentils according to package directions.
3. Measure out all the powdered spices, salt, and black pepper into a bowl and set aside.
4. Prepare the garlic chili crema by preheating the oven to 400F.
5. Roast the garlic, jalapeño, and onion on an oven-safe tray for 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Cool the roasted ingredients.
7. Put all the crema ingredients into a food processor and blend till smooth. Place into a small bowl, cover, and put in the refrigerator. 
8. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil over and sear the plant-based ground beef, like Beyond Beef, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot, put on a plate, and set aside.
9. Reduce the heat to medium and in the same pot, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and then add the onion, garlic, sweet corn, red bell pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
10. Add the powder spice mix, and sauté for 2 minutes.
11. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, black lentils, and vegetable broth, and bring to simmer for 10 minutes. 
12. Add the cooked plant-based beef, like Beyond Beef, and spinach into the pot, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
13. Serve in a bowl with the garnish on top.