Hearty & Healthy Vegan Lentil, Vegetable & Butter Bean Chilli: A Delicious HelloFresh Inspired Meal
Discover this incredibly easy vegan lentil, vegetable, and butter bean chilli, served with fragrant coriander rice, creamy guacamole, and perfectly roasted courgette. It’s a truly delicious, healthy, and satisfying plant-based meal perfect for any day of the week. This post is proudly sponsored by HelloFresh.
There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a rich, flavorful chilli. As a devoted fan of plant-based cooking, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are not only healthy but also bursting with taste and substantial enough to keep you feeling full. When the opportunity arose to recreate one of HelloFresh’s popular recipes for the blog, my attention was immediately captured by this exquisite lentil, vegetable, and butter bean chilli. While every recipe they offer looks enticing, this particular dish resonated with my craving for wholesome, hearty, and flavorful vegan food.
This vegan chilli recipe stands out for its impressive simplicity despite delivering complex, deep flavors. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of earthy lentils and creamy butter beans provides a fantastic texture and makes the chilli incredibly filling, packed with plant-based protein and fiber. The experience is elevated further by its wonderful accompaniments: a fragrant coriander rice, a bright and zesty homemade guacamole, and tender strips of roasted courgette. Together, these elements create a meal that feels both gourmet and homey, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly enjoyable.
What’s truly remarkable is how such a comprehensive and impressive meal can be so deceptively simple to assemble. The original recipe suggests it serves two, but in my experience, it generously feeds three people, or even two with very substantial appetites, leaving you pleasantly satisfied. This makes it a great option for sharing with family or friends, or for enjoying as delicious leftovers the next day.
What is HelloFresh and Why Try a Meal Kit Service?
For those who may not yet be familiar, HelloFresh is a leading meal kit delivery service that has revolutionized home cooking for millions. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to cook for dinner, tired of the same old recipes, or frustrated by food waste from unused ingredients, HelloFresh offers a brilliant solution. They deliver meticulously planned recipe boxes straight to your door, complete with fresh, high-quality ingredients and easy-to-follow, detailed instructions, empowering you to explore new and exciting culinary creations every week.
The HelloFresh experience begins with choice. You get to browse a diverse menu of recipes and select those that pique your interest, with plenty of fantastic vegetarian and vegan options available to cater to plant-based diets. Once you’ve made your selections, you simply specify the number of servings you need and choose a convenient delivery time for your box. This flexibility ensures that HelloFresh seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle, making healthy eating accessible and stress-free.
Upon arrival, your HelloFresh box is packed with pre-portioned, fresh ingredients, meaning everything you need for your chosen meals is already measured out and ready for cooking. This eliminates the need for grocery shopping trips, ingredient hunting, and the guesswork often involved in cooking new dishes. The accompanying detailed instruction cards guide you through each step of the cooking process, transforming what might seem like a complex meal into a simple, enjoyable task. This intuitive approach makes cooking a breeze, even for novice chefs.
One of the most significant advantages of using a service like HelloFresh is the drastic reduction in food waste. Because ingredients are precisely measured for each recipe, you receive just the right amount, leaving no leftover perishables to spoil in your fridge. This not only saves money but also promotes a more sustainable approach to food consumption. It’s the perfect service for individuals and families with busy schedules who still value the pleasure of fresh, home-cooked meals but are often short on time.
The Allure of This Vegan Lentil & Butter Bean Chilli
This particular vegan lentil, vegetable, and butter bean chilli is a shining example of HelloFresh’s commitment to delivering delicious and well-balanced meals. It’s a celebration of plant-based ingredients, expertly combined to create a robust and deeply satisfying flavor profile. The star components – red lentils and butter beans – not only contribute to the chilli’s hearty texture but also pack a powerful nutritional punch, offering abundant protein and fiber that will keep you full and energized. The vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices create a warming, fragrant dish that is perfect for any season.
How To Make This Hearty Vegan Lentil, Vegetable and Butter Bean Chilli
(For a detailed list of ingredients and full step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.)
Creating this delicious vegan chilli is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. The key lies in layering the ingredients and allowing the spices to truly bloom.
Begin by pre-heating your oven for the courgettes and preparing your foundational ingredients. Finely chop a red onion and slice a red bell pepper into appealing 2cm chunks. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your chilli.
In a non-stick pan, gently fry the chopped red onion in a tablespoon of olive oil over a low heat. This slow cooking allows the onion to soften and sweeten, building a crucial flavor foundation. After about five minutes, once the onion is tender, add the chopped red bell pepper and continue to cook for another couple of minutes until it just begins to soften.
Next, it’s time to introduce the incredible flavors of the chilli. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and a pinch of chilli flakes to the pan. For those who prefer less heat, the chilli flakes can be easily omitted. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir these spices with the vegetables and cook for approximately one minute, allowing their aromas to release and meld together beautifully.
Perfecting the Coriander Rice
While your chilli base is simmering, you can multitask by preparing the coriander rice. In a separate pot, bring 350ml of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add your rice, stir once, and immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook undisturbed for ten minutes. After this time, turn off the heat but resist the urge to peek! Allow the rice to rest, still covered, for an additional ten minutes. This method ensures perfectly fluffy, separate grains of rice. Once rested, stir in some freshly chopped coriander for a burst of fresh flavor.
Assembling the Chilli
Return to your chilli pan. Add the red lentils, a tin of chopped tomatoes, and a splash of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about fifteen minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender and the sauce has noticeably thickened. About five minutes into the lentil cooking time, drain and rinse a tin of butter beans, then add them to the pan. Their creamy texture will beautifully complement the chilli.
Roasting the Courgette and Making Guacamole
As the chilli and rice cook, prepare the roasted courgette. Cut a courgette in half lengthwise, then slice each half into four long strips, and finally chop these into roughly 6cm sticks. Toss the courgette sticks with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in your pre-heated oven for about 15 minutes until tender and slightly golden. For the guacamole, simply scoop the flesh of a ripe avocado into a bowl, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Mash roughly with a fork – a slightly chunky texture is often preferred for homemade guacamole.
Final Touches and Serving
Before serving, taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then, it’s time to bring all the components together. Serve generous portions of the hot, fragrant chilli alongside the fluffy coriander rice, the beautifully roasted courgette, and a refreshing dollop of creamy guacamole. This ensemble creates a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that truly celebrates plant-based eating.
This meal is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Lentils and butter beans provide excellent sources of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and sustained energy. The bell peppers contribute essential vitamins, while the avocado in the guacamole offers healthy fats. It’s a complete, wholesome, and incredibly delicious dinner option that caters to both your health and your desire for comfort food.
Consider this chilli a versatile dish for various occasions. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, an impressive meal to serve guests, or even for meal prepping a few portions for lunches throughout the week. The flavors tend to deepen and become even more delicious the day after it’s made. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Wholesome Vegan Meal Ideas:
If you’re looking for more hearty and delicious plant-based recipes to add to your repertoire, explore some of my other favorites:
- Vegan Sausage Casserole with Lentils and Farro
- Chickpea, Sweet Potato, and Spinach Curry
- Vegetable and Pearl Barley Stew with Herby Dumplings
- Red Lentil Dhal with Roasted Cauliflower and Butternut Squash
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli
Have you tried this fantastic vegan lentil, vegetable, and butter bean chilli recipe? I would absolutely love to see your creations! Share your culinary masterpieces on Instagram and tag @domestic_gothess, making sure to use the hashtag #domesticgothess. Your delicious dishes inspire us all!
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Print
Lentil, Vegetable and Butter Bean Chilli
Ingredients
For the Chilli:
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped into 2cm pieces
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ Tbsp ground cumin
- ½ Tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp red split lentils
- 1 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) water (plus a splash more if needed)
- 1 400 g tin butter beans, rinsed and drained
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coriander Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 350 ml (1 ½ cups) water
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
For the Roasted Courgette:
- 1 medium courgette (zucchini)
- ½ Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Guacamole:
- 1 large ripe avocado
- juice of ½ lime
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Pre-heat your oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Begin by preparing your vegetables: peel and finely chop the red onion, then remove the core from the red bell pepper and chop it into approximately 2cm square pieces.
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Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 5 minutes until it has softened and become translucent. Next, add the chopped red pepper to the pan, increase the heat to medium, and cook for another 3 minutes until it starts to tenderize.
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Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and chilli flakes (if using). Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to toast and release their full aroma.
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Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring 350ml of water to a boil with ¼ tsp of salt. Once the water is boiling, add your basmati rice to the pot. Give it a quick stir, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and leave the rice to rest, still covered, for another 10 minutes. It’s crucial not to lift the lid during this 20-minute period!
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Add the red lentils to the onion and pepper mixture in the frying pan, along with the tin of chopped tomatoes and 150ml of water. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, and then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The chilli is ready when the lentils are soft and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Approximately 5 minutes after the lentils begin cooking, drain and rinse the butter beans thoroughly, then add them to the pan to warm through.
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While the chilli and rice are cooking, prepare the courgette. Cut the medium courgette in half lengthwise. Then, chop each half into four equal lengths, and cut these into approximately 6cm sticks. Toss the courgette sticks with ½ Tbsp of olive oil, ¼ tsp of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking tray and roast in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes, or until tender and lightly golden.
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To prepare the fresh guacamole, scoop the flesh of the large ripe avocado into a small bowl. Add the juice of ½ a lime, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roughly mash the ingredients together with a fork, leaving some texture for a more authentic feel.
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Once the rice has finished resting, stir in the freshly chopped coriander. Before serving, taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. Finally, serve the hearty vegan chilli generously with the fragrant coriander rice, the tender roasted courgette, and a delightful dollop of creamy homemade guacamole.
This post is a sponsored collaboration with HelloFresh. I extend my sincere thanks for supporting the brands that enable me to continue pursuing my passion for culinary creativity – experimenting with food and making a joyous mess in my kitchen!
