This may be one of the most delicious vegetarian chilis you’ll ever make! Hearty lentils and black beans paired with so much flavor will satisfy everyone, vegan, vegetarian or not! This reader favorite has even won a couple of chili cook-offs!

Vegetarian | Vegan Options | Gluten Free

Many years ago, good friends of ours held a chili cook-off party. It was so much fun! We all brought our own versions of chili and blindly taste-tested. Blindly, in that we didn’t know who’s was who’s…but admittedly, there were margaritas involved!

It was so interesting to see the different interpretations of what we all refer to as “chili”. Some had no beans at all, just ground meat, while others had a mixture of the two and then some used chunks of beef instead of ground.

The hostess had made hers with lentils. It was really delicious and it’s always stuck with me. Since then, I’ve been meaning to try making a chili made with lentils…so, ten years later…

I really made this with my vegetarian daughter in mind. This dish has so many flavors and ingredients that she loves. Especially the spicy factor! That girl uses hot sauce on everything!

The chipotle and the Tabasco add some heat to the pot, but I like to serve this with some more Tabasco on top…along with avocado cubes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and some cilantro.

You can make a pot of rice to go along with this, some corn bread or even just some tortilla chips. I know you’ll love this! Even my anti-vegetarian husband gave this two thumbs up!

So, if I’m ever invited to another chili cook off…this is what I’m bringing!

If you love this Black Bean and Lentil Chili, you’ll love… This Vegetarian Chili has the most perfect blend of spices and balance of flavors that will have you coming back to it again and again. This spicy Vegetable Jambalaya is amazingly vegan and gluten-free. It’s one of my favorite dishes. It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner or perfect for easy entertaining. Get that recipe here! You are going to love these Vegetable and Quinoa Stuffed Zucchinis! Simple and delicious, these can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to eat! They are vegetarian, gluten-free with vegan options. Get a printable recipe here! This Vegetable Cacciatore, served with the tastiest and creamiest recipe for Soft Polenta, has all of the flavor of traditional cacciatore and may become your favorite bowl of comfort food. Get both recipes here!