Garden Harvest Chili
Hearty, tomato-rich chili bursting with garlic, peppers, and fresh vegetables—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd‑pleasing potluck.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, cut up (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen sweet corn, defrosted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic, chopped green and red peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onion; sauté until tender.
- Pour in whole tomatoes with liquid and tomato sauce, then stir in chili powder, sugar, and cumin; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add rinsed kidney beans, sliced zucchini, and defrosted sweet corn; simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until zucchini is tender.
- Serve hot, sprinkling shredded Cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chili. If you prefer a meatier chili, ground turkey or beef can be added in place of some beans. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, can also enhance the dish. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Nutty Sour Cream Orange Muffins for a delightful contrast. You can also top it with sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as part of a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Garden Harvest Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the chili thickens, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Harvest Chili contains roughly 1672 calories, with 50g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), protein (100% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% 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 use other vegetables in this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach can be excellent additions. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some vegetables may need to be sautéed a bit longer to ensure they're tender.
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).