Veg-Chilli
A hearty vegetarian chili packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and bold flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for meat-free diets.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. strips green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 can tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped carrots, onions, green peppers, celery, and minced garlic in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, tomato paste, and tomato juice to the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in kidney beans, chickpeas, basil, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Mix well and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with additional chili powder if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or cumin in place of some of the salt and pepper. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient substitute for fresh. For a spicier kick, increase the hot sauce or add diced jalapeños. This Veg-Chilli is great for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite beans or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Veg-Chilli with warm White Flour Tortillas or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with avocado slices or cilantro. This dish also complements the Best Margaritas perfectly for a delightful meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it's completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veg-Chilli contains roughly 1294 calories, with 51g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (289% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and iron (111% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 Veg-Chilli ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Veg-Chilli actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving, and feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, black beans or pinto beans are excellent alternatives. They will provide a similar texture and taste. You can also use canned beans for convenience; just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.
Is this Veg-Chilli suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Veg-Chilli is completely vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients. It's a fantastic option for those following vegan recipes or looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference for a comforting, hearty dish.
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).