Hello and welcome to my latest blog post! With the winter months upon us, many of us are looking for comforting and warming meals to help us get through the colder weather. One of my personal favorites is a hearty vegetable chili, packed full of delicious ingredients and bursting with flavor!
Not only is chili a great way to warm up on cold nights, it’s also a perfect meal to share with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for something to impress your dinner guests, this vegetable chili recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Vegetable Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a warm and hearty dish that’s both healthy and filling, this vegetable chili recipe is perfect for you! This meatless chili is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, and it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike. It’s also a great option if you’re trying to cut back on your meat consumption or looking for a new recipe to add to your meal rotation.
Ingredients
To make this vegetable chili recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and heat to your preference.
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for 5 minutes or until tender.
2. Add the chopped peppers and jalapeno, and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions.
This recipe yields about 8 servings, and it can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. You can also store the leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious vegetable chili recipe with your family and friends, and feel good about giving your body the nutrients it needs!
Tips and Variations
Substitutions
Looking to make the vegetable chili recipe your own? You can easily substitute ingredients to cater to your preferences. Here are some suggestions:
Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables in the recipe for others that you enjoy. Some great options include zucchini, sweet potato, or butternut squash.
Beans: If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can use kidney beans or pinto beans instead. You can also try adding chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
Spices: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili powder, cumin, or paprika.
Meat: Want to make the recipe non-vegetarian? You can easily add ground turkey, chicken, or beef to the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless options for serving vegetable chili. Here are a few ideas:
Cornbread: Whip up a batch of cornbread to serve alongside the chili. The sweetness of the bread pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the chili.
Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy, cool contrast to the heat of the chili. Serve it on top of the chili or as a side.
Cilantro: Finely chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to the dish and adds an extra pop of color.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chili when serving. The cheese will melt and add a creamy layer to the chili.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover vegetable chili, you can easily store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. To reheat, simply add the chili to a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
If you’re looking to freeze the chili, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw and reheat, leave the chili in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using the same methods above.
Note: Freezing may cause some vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to become softer. However, the taste and overall quality should not be affected.
Try Something New
Next time you’re in the mood for chili, give this vegetable chili recipe a try. With its combination of fresh vegetables, savory spices, and hearty beans, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to switch up the recipe to make it your own!
Bring Some Spice to Your Winter Nights!
We hope you enjoyed this delicious vegetable chili recipe and are excited to try it out. Remember, the key to a great chili is to experiment with different spices and vegetables to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with family or friends, while watching your favorite movie, or for a hearty dinner to warm you up after a long day. So, grab your apron and get ready to cook up a storm!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope it has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try out new recipes that will dazzle your senses. Don’t forget to check out our website for more cooking tips, recipes, and articles that will keep you entertained. We are always adding new content, so make sure to visit us again soon. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What vegetables work well in chili?
Some vegetables that work well in chili are bell peppers, onions, garlic, carrots, and corn.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply brown some ground beef, turkey, or chicken and add it to the chili.
What kind of beans should I use?
You can use any type of beans you like, but kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans work well in chili.
How long should I let the chili simmer?
For optimal flavor, let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left on low heat for several hours.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chili in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What spices should I use?
Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper are some spices that work well in chili. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
How can I make the chili spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to make the chili spicier. Alternatively, you can use a spicier variety of chili powder.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and skip the cheese and sour cream toppings.
