Description

A warm and hearty Vegetarian Chili packed with cooked beans, fresh vegetables, and rich spices, delivering a comforting and nutrient-rich meal perfect for any season. This simple, wholesome recipe is versatile, flavorful, and ideal for batch cooking, meal prepping, and easy customization to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked beans (such as kidney or black beans)
1 can (14 oz) natural chopped tomatoes
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder (natural)
1 teaspoon cumin (natural)
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Variations

1 cup diced sweet potatoes
1 cup mixed beans (such as chickpeas or pinto beans)
1 cup corn kernels
Additional chili powder or fresh chopped chili peppers to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder

Instructions

Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Peppers: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, creating the aromatic base for the chili.
Add Spices and Stir: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika or chipotle powder if using. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to let the spices bloom and enhance the depth of flavor.
Mix in Tomatoes and Vegetable Broth: Pour in chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Beans and Natural Gelling Agent: Drain and rinse cooked beans before adding them to the pot. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to help thicken the chili. Let the chili simmer uncovered and develop a rich, hearty texture.
Simmer and Adjust Seasoning: Allow chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional chili powder as desired. Enjoy the warm, cozy aroma filling your kitchen.

Notes

Use dried beans soaked and cooked for best texture and flavor.
Simmer slowly and gently to marry all spices and ingredients for deeper flavor.
Layer spices at different steps to build complexity and avoid flat taste.
Adjust salt and spice gradually to prevent over-seasoning.
Perform frequent taste tests to tailor the flavor to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegetarian chili, plant-based chili, hearty chili, gluten free chili, easy chili recipe, healthy chili