Hearty and Spicy Vegan Chili Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • avocado, cilantro, and lime for topping (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the flavors have melded together.
  6. Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed.
  7. If desired, serve the chili topped with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add different vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or sweet potatoes to the chili.
  • Experiment with different types of beans like chickpeas, cannellini beans, or lentils.
  • Include extra spices like chipotle powder, cinnamon, or coriander for added flavor.
  • Make it spicier by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce.
  • Add a plant-based meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tempeh for a meaty texture.
  • Create a smoky flavor by adding liquid smoke or smoked salt.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free vegetable broth and ensuring all canned ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Top the chili with vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, or dairy-free yogurt.
  • Serve the chili over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal.
  • Experiment with different garnishes such as sliced jalapeños, green onions, or vegan bacon bits.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a hearty bowl of Vegan Chili, a comforting and wholesome meal that's packed with colorful vegetables and a trio of beans. You'll be welcomed by the inviting aroma of sautéed onions, peppers, carrots, and celery, followed by the warmth of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne. All these components simmer together in a tomato-based broth, creating a rich dish with a perfect harmony of flavors. This vegan chili is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. In just about 45 minutes, you'll have a pot full of deliciousness, ready to be garnished with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, if you like. Get ready to enjoy a robust, satisfying meal that's not only vegan but also gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences. Whether you're a vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this chili is sure to satisfy.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of beans?
    Yes, you can use different types of beans in this recipe. Feel free to substitute or mix in your favorite beans such as cannellini beans, chickpeas, or lentils.
  2. Can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or even add some chopped jalapeños.
  3. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions, peppers, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pan before transferring them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. What are some optional toppings or garnishes?
    Some popular toppings or garnishes for vegan chili include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, vegan sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings!

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the chili and hold all the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for chopping the onion, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for cutting the vegetables and garlic.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is great for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the spices.
  • Can opener - A can opener is needed to open the cans of diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
  • Ladle - A ladle is useful for serving the chili into bowls.
  • Optional toppings - Avocado, cilantro, and lime are optional toppings that can be added to the chili before serving.

Origin stories

With roots in Southern and Western American cuisine, chili is a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. In fact, one of the earliest known recipes for chili goes back to 17th century Spanish settlers in the Americas. Since then, chili has taken on many forms and variations, reflecting the diversity of cultures that have adopted it. The creation of vegan chili is a testament to this cultural adaptability, offering a plant-based alternative that retains the heartiness and spice of the original. This particular vegan chili recipe, with its blend of beans and vegetables, is a nod to the humble beginnings of chili as a simple, nutritious meal made from readily available ingredients. So, when you're making this dish, consider each stir of the pot as a part of this long-standing tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.