Country Chili
A hearty, savory chili featuring textured vegetable protein, tomatoes, beans, and bold spices, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable for vegetarians or meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups T.V.P. flakes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons ketchup ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (40 1/2 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups boiling water over T.V.P. flakes and ketchup and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cayenne, cumin, and oregano over the T.V.P. mixture.
- Stir and add the mixture to the Dutch oven.
- Cook a few minutes, then stir in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and V-8 juice.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Country Chili, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth. If you prefer a meatier texture, you can substitute T.V.P. with ground meat or lentils. Additionally, feel free to adjust the heat level by varying the cayenne and chili powder according to your taste. For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Country Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Consider offering a side of Herb Onion Salad Dressing to complement the flavors, or serve with a refreshing Lime Christmas Punch for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Country Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Chili contains roughly 926 calories, with 32g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! Country Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Country Chili can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that the T.V.P. and canned tomatoes are labeled gluten-free. Always check for any added ingredients that may contain gluten, especially in processed foods.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To spice up your Country Chili, you can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. You might also consider using a spicier variety of chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).