Hearty Vegetarian Chili
A hearty vegetarian chili packed with beans, vegetables, and rich spices, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying meatless meals with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. mustard seed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 16-oz. can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 5 cups kidney beans, cooked, with liquid ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 carrots, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, cook onions and green pepper in oil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and pepper is soft.
- Add mustard seeds and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Add chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder (if using), cinnamon, chopped tomatoes with liquid, cooked kidney beans with liquid, diced carrots, and tomato paste.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes or until most of the liquid has cooked away and chili has thickened; stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a bit of liquid smoke. You can substitute black beans or chickpeas for the kidney beans if you prefer. If you want a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a vegan variation, ensure the tomato paste is free from any animal products.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Chips or a side of cornbread for a comforting meal. You can also serve it over rice or with a dollop of Guacamole Tomato Dip. For a complete meal, consider a side of Fat Free Refried Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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 reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Vegetarian Chili contains roughly 1420 calories, with 19g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (111% of the Daily Value), iron (100% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 881mg per serving (38% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it and allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave when you're ready to enjoy it.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
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).