Vegetarian chili is a robust, flavorful dish that’s full of protein-rich beans and fresh vegetables, creating a hearty meal without any meat. This easy recipe uses a blend of spices, tomatoes, and veggies to create a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or even game day gatherings, this vegetarian chili is as versatile as it is delicious.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. - Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the red and green bell peppers, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. - Add Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well. - Season and Simmer
Add the vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for added flavor.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in deep bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Pair with cornbread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Set up a topping bar with options like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Tips:
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the other spices.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid off.
- This chili freezes well, so make a big batch and store in individual containers for easy meals.
This vegetarian chili is a wholesome, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a wonderful option for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Enjoy this cozy chili with all your favorite toppings!
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Vegetarian Chili Recipe
This hearty vegetarian chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and bold spices, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly day, this chili is both healthy and easy to make!
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Remaining Vegetables
- Add the red and green bell peppers, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Season and Simmer
- Add the vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for added flavor.
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