Smoky Chicken Sausage and Lentil Chili Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice

This hearty chili bowl brings together smoky chicken sausage, tender lentils and a richly spiced tomato base. Sautéed scallions and green pepper add savory depth, while fluffy rice, cool sour cream and melty cheese create the perfect balance of textures. A bright squeeze of lime juice finishes each bowl with a tangy contrast.

Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to customize and comes together in under an hour. The combination of cumin, Mexican spices and fresh lime will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients

1 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

9 ounce Italian Chicken Sausage MixView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Tomato PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon CuminView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LentilsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Long Green PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Mexican Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mexican Cheese BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small pot, combine rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
2. While rice cooks, wash and dry produce. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Core, deseed and finely dice green pepper. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Quarter lime.
3. Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium pot (large pot for 4 servings) over medium-high heat. Add scallion whites and green pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in garlic, cumin and Mexican Spice Blend; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds.
4. Stir in lentils and their liquid, tomato paste, stock concentrate, ½ cup water and ¼ tsp sugar (1 cup water and ½ tsp sugar for 4 servings). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook, stirring frequently, until flavors meld and chili has thickened slightly, 8-10 minutes. TIP: If chili seems too thick, stir in more water a splash at a time. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
5. Fluff rice with a fork. Divide chili between bowls. Top with rice, sour cream, as much Mexican cheese blend as you like and scallion greens. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice and remaining lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with any cooked sausage, such as pork or turkey sausage. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken sausage and add an extra can of beans or more lentils. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How do I store leftovers?

Store chili and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.