Hearty Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Introduction
This hearty vegetarian chili is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day. Packed with beans, vegetables, and a blend of spices, it’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini), chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Step 3: Add the beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chili warm, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- Try adding corn or diced sweet potatoes for additional texture and sweetness.
- Serve over rice or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season for a brighter flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, canned beans work well and can save time. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to reduce excess sodium.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust it by adding more chili powder or fresh chili peppers according to your taste.
PrintHearty Vegetarian Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Chili made with a variety of beans, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered together with aromatic spices. This nutritious, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal and is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Beans
- 1 cup kidney beans, soaked and drained
- 1 cup black beans, soaked and drained
- 1 cup pinto beans, soaked and drained
Tomatoes
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large carrot, diced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse and soak the beans overnight or use canned beans drained and rinsed to save time. Chop the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the soaked beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn kernels, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours if using dried beans, or 30–40 minutes if using canned beans, until the beans are tender and flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add water or broth if the chili becomes too thick.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Using canned beans reduces cooking time significantly.
- For a spicier chili, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Great served with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
- For added protein, consider topping with shredded cheese or sour cream.
Keywords: vegetarian chili, bean chili, meatless chili, healthy chili, easy chili recipe
