🛒 Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 🧅 1 medium onion, diced
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌶️ 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 🥕 1 cup carrots, diced
- 🌽 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 🌿 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🍅 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 🍅 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 🌱 1 cup vegetable broth
- 🥫 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 🥫 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 🌶️ 1 tbsp chili powder
- 🧂 1 tsp ground cumin
- 🌿 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 🥑 1 avocado, sliced
- 🧀 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 🧂 Tortilla chips, for serving
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the bell pepper, carrots, and corn. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Make the Chili Base
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the Beans and Spices:
- Add black beans, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve the Chili
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips if desired.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🌱 Protein Boost: Add cooked lentils or quinoa for extra protein and texture.
- 🌶️ Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- 🍠 Sweet Twist: Include diced sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.
- 🧊 Freezer Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this Vegetarian Chili with cornbread, a crisp green salad, or a dollop of vegan sour cream for a comforting and satisfying meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Vegetarian Chili is a nutrient-packed, meatless dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for cold days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, it’s a hearty recipe that even meat lovers will enjoy.
