Description
This hearty Vegan Chili recipe is a flavorful and nutritious plant-based meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with a variety of beans, fresh vegetables, and a robust blend of spices, it offers a comforting and protein-rich dish that is easy to prepare within 40 minutes. Ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets, this chili can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 5-6 medium diced tomatoes
Beans and Sauces
- 4 cups cooked beans (kidney beans, black beans, or a mix)
- 5 tbsp tomato paste
Oils and Spices
- 2 tsp oil of choice (e.g., olive oil)
- Assorted spices: 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of your preferred oil. Once heated, sauté the chopped onion and green pepper for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and continue sautéing for another 3-5 minutes. This helps break down the tomatoes and develops a rich base for your chili.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Mix in the tomato paste, cooked beans, and spices (cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper). Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding water or broth if the chili becomes too thick during cooking.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili right in the pot. Blend to your desired consistency, leaving some beans and vegetables whole for texture.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, accompanied by rice, bread, or your favorite toppings such as sliced avocado, fresh herbs, or vegan sour cream for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can use canned beans to save time; just rinse and drain them well before use.
- Adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
- This chili freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce if you’re not keeping it strictly traditional.
- Leftover chili can be served with cornbread or rolled into vegan tortilla wraps for variety.
