Hearty Vegetarian Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili made by simmering a variety of beans, tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices together to create a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Beans
- 1 cup kidney beans, soaked and cooked
- 1 cup black beans, soaked and cooked
- 1 cup pinto beans, soaked and cooked
Tomatoes
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium carrot, diced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Prepare Ingredients: Soak and cook the beans until tender if using dried beans. Chop all vegetables including onion, bell pepper, carrot, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Beans and Vegetables: Add the cooked beans and corn to the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Cover the pot partially and let the chili simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows all flavors to meld perfectly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt and spices as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use canned beans as a shortcut, but rinse them well to reduce sodium.
- For extra protein, add textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils.
- To make it spicier, increase chili powder or add diced jalapeños.
- This chili can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Keywords: vegetarian chili, meatless chili, healthy chili, bean chili, vegetable chili, easy chili recipe