The Best Hearty Vegetarian Chili (Easy Recipe!)
A quick and easy one-pot vegetarian chili that is both hearty and flavorful. This recipe features a savory base of sautéed onions and red bell peppers, which are seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and a smoky, spicy kick from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. A mix of kidney and pinto beans, along with fire-roasted tomatoes and corn, are simmered in the aromatic base until the chili has thickened. The dish is finished with a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors and can be served with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 3 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo, diced
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
- Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Sliced jalapeño peppers
- Fresh cilantro
- Pickled Onions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, until soft.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin (if using) and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, water or broth, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, corn, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the chili simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Season to taste with more salt and pepper, and serve with your desired toppings and lime wedges.
Notes
- This is a hearty, one-pot vegetarian and vegan meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ‘Blooming’ the spices by toasting them in the hot pot for about 30 seconds before adding the liquids is a key step that brings out their deep, aromatic flavors.
- The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/vegetarian-chili/