Prairie Warmth in a Bowl: Saskatchewan-Style Lentil Chili
- Ginger North
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
#30CanadianFoods: This hearty dish is easy on the budget, and filling on the belly!
When most people think of Saskatchewan, they picture endless fields of wheat stretching to the horizon—and that’s not wrong. But today, we’re not talking wheat. We’re dishing up something even heartier, homier, and surprisingly spicy: Saskatchewan-Style Lentil Chili.
Yup, you read that right. Saskatchewan is the lentil capital of Canada—and one of the top producers in the world. So, naturally, we’re putting their humble little legume front and centre in today’s #30CanadianFoods challenge. We’re cooking up a cozy bowl of lentil chili that blends Prairie practicality with real Canadian comfort. Bonus? It’s affordable, healthy, and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
New here? You can read the original post to see why we started this tasty journey, or click here to catch up on the other provinces we’ve featured so far.
🌾 What’s Saskatchewan All About?
Saskatchewan is flat, sure. But don’t let the topography fool you—this province is anything but boring. It's known for big skies, brilliant sunsets, and being the sunniest province in Canada. With over 100,000 lakes, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. It’s a place where you can fish in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and stargaze all night under skies so clear they look photoshopped.
Fun fact? Regina was originally called Pile o’ Bones (yeah, seriously) because of the buffalo bones stacked along Wascana Creek. The bones are gone, but the name lives on in Saskatchewan’s spirit: resourceful, resilient, and just a little cheeky.
And if you're from Sask? We hope you're reading this and nodding proudly. We see you, flatlanders. You’ve got something special.
🌿 Indigenous Roots, Living Cultures
Before wheat fields and rail lines, these lands were (and still are) home to the Plains Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Métis peoples. Their cultures and stories are woven into the landscape—and you can still experience them today.
🐃 Wanuskewin Heritage Park
If you're in or near Saskatoon, check out the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site where you can learn about Northern Plains Indigenous culture through art, archaeology, and community-led programming. They offer bison walks, tipi raising, and seasonal events where visitors can experience the power and beauty of Indigenous storytelling, food, and ceremony.
It’s not just a museum—it’s a living space where culture is honoured and shared.
🐃 Wanuskewin Gift Shop
Located within the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, this shop offers a range of Indigenous-made products, including bison jerky from One Arrow First Nation. They offer online shopping with shipping across Canada if you can’t make it to the park. Purchases support the park's initiatives and Indigenous communities.
🌿 Wo Nagi – White Bear First Nation, Saskatchewan
Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 territory, Wo Nagi—meaning "the spiritual essence of food" in Lakota—offers immersive Indigenous culinary experiences. Founded by Red Seal Pastry Chef Tammy Maki, this venture blends traditional knowledge with contemporary cuisine through curated events, specialty chocolates, and workshops. Wo Nagi not only delights the palate but also fosters cultural connection and understanding.
🌄 If You Visit Saskatchewan...
Curious to explore it for yourself? Add these stops to your bucket list:
This lesser-known gem in southern Saskatchewan is one of the only places in Canada where you can walk through undisturbed prairie. Think wild bison herds, badlands, and the kind of silence that soothes your soul. It’s also a designated dark sky preserve—so bring a blanket and stargaze.
Saddle up for a deep dive into Mountie history at this interactive museum. Watch the cadets drill at Depot Division and tour exhibits that showcase one of Canada's most recognizable institutions (for better or worse).
A boreal forest oasis in central Saskatchewan. Kayak on Waskesiu Lake, keep your eyes peeled for elk and black bears, or hike through trails that take you from lakefront to lush green forests.
🍴 Foodie Adventures in Saskatchewan
Forget fast food. Saskatchewan’s food scene is full of personality—and Prairie flavour.
This family-run Asian fusion spot in Riversdale is a true gem. Think Vietnamese banh mi meets Saskatchewan ingredients. Their farm-to-table approach makes every dish feel fresh and intentional. Locals rave about their commitment to both culture and quality.
This place proves small-town food can still bring big-city flavour. With locally sourced meats, veggies, and house-made sauces, their burgers and brisket are the stuff of Prairie legend. The chef is a Saskatchewan native who’s all about showing off the province’s bounty.
A cozy, award-winning that celebrates Saskatchewan's wild bounty. Owned by chefs Beth Rogers and Thayne Robstad—avid foragers and fishers—their menu is a seasonal showcase of local ingredients, from chanterelles to lake trout. It's Prairie comfort food elevated with heart and heritage.
A Broadway Avenue staple since 1986, Calories is renowned for its commitment to local ingredients. Chef and co-owner Taszia Thakur collaborates with numerous Saskatchewan farmers, foragers, and fishermen, ensuring a menu that's both fresh and sustainable.
📦 Can’t Visit? Bring Saskatchewan to Your Door
Saskatchewan has some seriously tasty small businesses that ship across Canada. Here are a few worth supporting:
Based out of Saskatoon, this family-run apiary specializes in raw, unfiltered honey. Their creamed honey with sea buckthorn or haskap berry? Chef’s kiss. It’s sustainably harvested and delicious on everything from toast to charcuterie. 👉 threeforagers.ca
100% traceable, organic flours milled the old-fashioned way, preserving nutrition and flavour without synthetic additives. With grains sourced from local farmers like Maida Vale Farms and Loiselle Organic Farm, they bring the Prairie's best directly to your kitchen.
🥩 Cool Springs Ranch
A regenerative farm offering grass-fed beef, pastured pork and chicken. Their meat boxes ship across the country, and they’re fully transparent about their humane, sustainable practices. 👉 coolspringsranch.ca
🥣 Recipe: Hearty Saskatchewan Lentil Chili
We found the perfect Prairie dish to showcase the province’s humble culinary hero: the lentil. This award-winning lentil chili recipe was developed by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and has been shared across schools and community cookbooks. It’s loaded with vegetables, easy on the budget, and warms your bones on a chilly Prairie evening.
🌶️ Saskatchewan Lentil Chili
Ingredients
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup dry green lentils (rinsed)
1 can (796 mL) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add carrots, pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in lentils, tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with cornbread or Bannock for a truly Canadian experience.
🧡 That’s a Wrap from the Land of Living Skies
Whether you were raised on these golden plains or you’ve just discovered Saskatchewan through your tastebuds, we hope you feel a little more connected to this beautiful, often-overlooked province. Try the chili. Order something tasty from one of the local businesses. Share it with your family, your neighbour, or that one friend who thinks lentils are boring (we’re about to prove them wrong).
And stick around—we’re not done yet. Next stop, Alberta. 🍽️🇨🇦
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