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Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili

  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Description

Warm up your evenings with hearty, flavorful Vegetarian Chili packed with fresh vegetables, plant-based protein, and rich spices for a cozy and healthy meal perfect for any night. This dish combines a tomato base with beans, vibrant veggies, and a balanced spice blend resulting in a comforting, nutritious, and versatile chili.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Beans and Protein

  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Tomato Base

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons natural tomato paste

Spices Blend

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Additional Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops the natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your chili.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about a minute to toast the spices, releasing their aromatic oils and deepening the overall flavor.
  3. Pour in Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add crushed tomatoes, natural tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. This mixes in the rich tomato base and adds acidity and umami that balance the dish.
  4. Add Beans and Natural Gelling Agent: Rinse and drain your beans, then add them to the pot. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir to integrate. This thickens the chili while keeping a luscious texture that clings to each bite.
  5. Simmer and Taste: Lower the heat and let the chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a deep, satisfying taste.
  6. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the chili perfectly.

Notes

  • Flavor Depth: Toast your spices before adding liquids to enhance their aroma and richness in the dish.
  • Beans Variety: Use a mix of canned and homemade cooked beans for different textures and a homemade feel.
  • Texture Balance: Keep some beans whole while lightly mashing others to create a perfect creamy yet chunky consistency.
  • Adjust Thickness: Add vegetable broth if the chili becomes too thick, or simmer longer if it needs more reduction.
  • Rest Time: Let chili rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to further develop its flavors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegetarian chili, plant-based chili, healthy chili, meatless chili, bean chili, vegetable chili

Find it online: https://homedishideas.com/vegetarian-chili/