Ultimate Loaded Vegan Chili-Cheese Fries
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Behold the ultimate comfort food feast! We're talking a mountain of crispy, golden fries, piled high with our rich and savory lentil chili, and then generously smothered in a creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce. Topped with fresh jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro, this is next-level indulgence you can feel good about.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Yields
2 large, very generous servings
Ingredients
- For the Crispy Air-Fryer Fries:
- 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), washed and cut into 1/4-inch fries
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp olive oil (for extra crispiness)
- For the Hearty Lentil Chili:
- 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- For the Potato-Carrot "Cheeze" Sauce:
- 1 cup peeled and diced potato (about 1 medium potato)
- 1/2 cup peeled and diced carrot (about 1 large carrot)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- 3-4 tbsp water from boiling the vegetables
- Optional: 1 tbsp neutral oil or tahini for extra richness
- For Topping:
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat your Air-Fryer 360 to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional olive oil until evenly coated.
- Cook the Fries: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Start the Chili: While the fries are cooking, heat a saucepan over medium heat on your Empava induction cooktop. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Chili: Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and soy sauce to the saucepan. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Prepare the "Cheeze" Sauce: In a small pot, cover the diced potatoes and carrots with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until very fork-tender. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Blend the "Cheeze" Sauce: Transfer the cooked potatoes and carrots to a high-speed blender. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, optional oil/tahini, and 3 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add more reserved water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Assemble: Divide the crispy fries between two large bowls. Generously ladle the lentil chili over the fries, followed by a heavy drizzle of the "cheeze" sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Additional Information
Nutrition Facts (Summary)
Calories
715
Fat
12g (15% of Calories)
Saturated Fat
1.5g
Cholesterol
0mg
Sodium
1150mg
Carbohydrates
125g (70% of Calories)
Dietary Fiber
28g
Total Sugars
15g
Protein
32g (15% of Calories)
Vitamin A
250% DV
Vitamin C
80% DV
Vitamin D
0% DV
Vitamin E
15% DV
Vitamin K
45% DV
Thiamin (B1)
70% DV
Riboflavin (B2)
45% DV
Niacin (B3)
60% DV
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
50% DV
Vitamin B6
110% DV
Biotin (B7)
25% DV
Folate (B9)
120% DV
Cobalamin (B12)
150% DV
Calcium
20% DV
Copper
80% DV
Iron
60% DV
Magnesium
45% DV
Phosphorus
70% DV
Potassium
55% DV
Selenium
30% DV
Zinc
40% DV
Chef's Notes
The use of oil is minimal and optional, aligning with our oil-conscious guidelines. The primary reason for its inclusion would be to achieve an extra level of crispiness on the potatoes for the camera.
Assumptions:
Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary. Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Fortified nutritional yeast is assumed for Vitamin B12 content.
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