Description
This Homemade Vegetarian Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish made with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s perfect for a nutritious meal and can be customized with optional toppings and variations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped green onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon (if using), and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and corn (if using). Add vegetable broth or water and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Chili: Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice (if using). Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, or green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg