Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe – How to Make the Best Vegetarian Chili
When temperatures drop or you crave comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a steamy bowl of chili. This easy vegetarian chili recipe is packed with flavor and tasty ingredients that will please everyone at your table. So, whether you’re a vegetarian or looking for a meatless alternative, this recipe is guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your stomach.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chopped carrots
– 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels (or canned)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 3 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional):
– Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite vegan cheese)
– Diced fresh tomatoes or salsa
– Sliced avocado or guacamole
– Fresh cilantro leaves or green onions
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté for about five minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Mix in the carrots, diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, black beans, corn kernels, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the spices throughout the chili.
4. Bring the vegetarian chili to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce heat to low and let it cook gently for 30 to 40 minutes with a lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally. This helps meld all the flavors together while thickening the chili slightly. Taste the chili as it cooks, and adjust seasoning as needed.
This easy vegetarian chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Feel free to customize the basic recipe with additional vegetables or seasonings that you enjoy – and don’t forget to have fun experimenting in the kitchen!