Description
This Vegetarian Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal of the day. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich beans, and warming spices, it offers a comforting and vibrant plant-based meal full of nutrition and bold taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Protein and Flavor
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in chopped bell peppers and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 more minutes.
- Step 2: Add Spices and Smoked Turkey Bacon
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika over the vegetables. Stir to toast the spices lightly, releasing their aromas. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook for about 4 minutes until it imparts a smoky flavor.
- Step 3: Incorporate Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
Pour in the drained black beans and kidney beans along with fresh diced tomatoes. Add vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for extra depth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Cover the pot and simmer the chili for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally and dissolve the natural gelling agent in a little broth, then add it gradually to thicken the chili to your preferred consistency.
- Step 5: Final Touches
Add sweet corn kernels and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top before serving.
Notes
- Prepare in advance: Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen overnight.
- Balance heat: Start with less chili powder and add more after tasting to control spiciness.
- Use fresh herbs: Add cilantro right before serving for the freshest flavor boost.
- Sauté thoroughly: Don’t rush the base sautéing as it builds a foundation for rich taste.
- Consistency matters: Slowly add broth and natural gelling agent for the perfect chili thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian chili, plant-based chili, gluten free chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, meatless chili