Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil and onion. Cook for 3 minutes constantly stirring and add minced garlic (cook for 1-minute stirring).
Follow with spices: cumin, chili, oregano, sugar, and stir well until onion and garlic covered in spices.
Add in the veggies: celery, carrot, red bell peppers, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Follow with crushed tomatoes, chipotles in adobo, black beans, lentils.
Then add tomato sauce and 2 1/2 cups of vegetable stock. – Cover with a lid and take it to a boil over medium heat.
After that, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the veggies cook for 15 minutes until softened. Make sure to stir every few minutes. Season with salt and pepper (see notes) and lime juice.