Idaho Chili(Vegetarian)
Hearty vegetarian Idaho chili with tender lentils, potatoes, and beans, flavored with chili powder and herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 32 oz. can tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 c. lentils, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 carrots, cut into 1-inch julienne strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. instant beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
- tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4 1/2 quart Dutch oven, stir together tomato juice, water, potatoes, garbanzo beans, lentils, onion, carrots, chili powder, bouillon, basil, and garlic powder.
- Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat.
- Simmer, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
- Spoon into bowls and top each serving with sour cream.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a different bean variety, black beans or kidney beans can be great substitutes for garbanzo beans. To enhance the flavor, sauté the onion and carrots before adding them to the pot. This Idaho Chili can also be made in a slow cooker for a convenient option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Idaho Chili with a dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or cornbread. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but also complements American recipes like Baked Bean And Ground Beef Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be microwaved in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Idaho Chili(Vegetarian) contains roughly 731 calories, with 16g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Idaho Chili?
Yes, you can freeze Idaho Chili! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
What can I use instead of lentils?
If you don't have lentils on hand, you can substitute them with quinoa or additional beans like black beans or pinto beans. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, Idaho Chili is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bouillon. Most of the ingredients used, such as beans, vegetables, and spices, are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).