This vegan chili is loaded with cannellini, chickpea and navy beans along with green lentils for protein and texture. Brightened up with cilantro and lime zest this chili packs a ton of flavor thanks to tomatillos, garlic, cumin and jalapeño. Like most chilis, it’s even better the next day and freezes great.
Combine the tomatillos, garlic, onion and jalapeño in a food processor. Blitz until a chunky sauce forms, about 30 seconds. Add the lime zest and 1/2 cup cilantro. Blitz again until combined and broken down, 15 to 20 seconds.
Heat a 6-quart Dutch oven or other large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, to taste, and carefully pour in the tomatillo mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and some of the liquid has absorbed, 7 to 8 minutes. Liberally season with salt and pepper.
Turn the heat down to medium low and add the bay leaf, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, chickpeas, navy beans, lentils, cumin, coriander and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir together, cover and cook on a low simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn’t burn.
Remove the lid and cook until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and squeeze in the juice from 1 of the zested limes; cut the other lime into wedges, for serving. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or pepper, if needed.
Spoon the chili into bowls, top with sliced avocado, cilantro and lime wedges.
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