Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion
), diced (1 cup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
(reduce depending on garlic sensitivity
- 1 red bell pepper
), diced (heaping cup
- 2 tablespoons ground chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
NOT ground
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH: dried basil
seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces EACH
- 2 cans black beans
14.5 ounces EACH
- 1 can pinto beans
14.5 ounces
- 1 can fire-roasted diced green chiles
4 ounces
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup vegetable stock
vegetable broth will work
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Toppings: Cheddar cheese
fat-free sour cream, avocado, cilantro, chives, tortilla strips, etc.
Directions
- 1
Place a large heavy-bottomed pot (or Dutch oven) over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and wait until simmering, about 20 seconds. Add in the diced onion and stir for 3-4 minutes. Add in the diced pepper and cook these veggies, stirring occasionally, until they are all very tender, about 6-9 minutes.
- 2
While the veggies are getting soft, mince the garlic and measure out all the spices, combining them into a small bowl: the chili powder, oregano, cumin, dried basil, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, pepper, and sugar. Stir together and set aside until onion/pepper are tender.
- 3
Add in the garlic and all the seasonings. Cook, stirring constantly, until the seasonings and garlic are fragrant, about 45 seconds - 1 minute. Be careful to not burn.
- 4
Carefully add in the undrained diced tomatoes (they might sizzle splatter up a bit) and stir. Add in the drained and rinsed black beans, drained and rinsed pinto beans, chiles (if desired), frozen corn, and vegetable stock. Add in the bay leaf.
- 5
Stir to combine everything. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer, and stir occasionally, for 25-30 minutes.
- 6
Remove 1 and 1/2 cups of the chili and transfer to a blender. To avoid a mess, remove your blender lid's center insert and hold a kitchen towel firmly over the top. Ensure the lid is securely fashioned and blend while holding the towel. Once smooth, pour this mixture back into your chili. Stir to combine.
- 7
Add fresh lime and fresh cilantro as desired. Season to taste (I always add in a little bit more salt & pepper). Garnish individual bowls with everyone's favorite toppings. For us, sour cream and Cheddar cheese are must-haves!
Vegetarian Chili
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About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of hearty, flavorful comfort that’s completely meat-free? This Vegetarian Chili delivers a deeply satisfying meal, packed with rich flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.
Why This Vegetarian Chili Works
The secret to this chili's robust flavor lies in the thoughtful layering of aromatic spices. We’re talking about a blend of chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, and a subtle kick from cayenne, all harmonizing with the smoky sweetness of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. The combination of black and pinto beans creates a substantial, satisfying base that truly makes this vegetarian dish a standout.
What to Expect
Prepare for a thick, savory chili with a delightful warmth that builds gently. You’ll experience a rich tomato base, brightened by a hint of lime, with hearty black and pinto beans providing a satisfying bite. The frozen corn adds a pop of natural sweetness and texture, while the optional fire-roasted green chiles infuse an extra layer of smoky depth. It’s a comforting, well-rounded dish that feels both familiar and exciting, designed to warm you from the inside out.
Customization & Variations
This Vegetarian Chili is wonderfully versatile. Elevate your bowl with a generous scattering of sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of fat-free sour cream, creamy slices of avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chives. For extra crunch, add tortilla strips. If you don’t have vegetable stock, vegetable broth will work perfectly for the liquid base.
Serving & Context
This hearty chili is ideal for a cozy family dinner on a cool evening or as the star attraction at a casual gathering. Serve it simply in a bowl, perhaps alongside a warm piece of cornbread, and let everyone customize their toppings.