Description
The Best Vegetarian Bean Chili is a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal that combines a rich blend of mixed beans, vegetables, and spices. This nutritious chili offers robust, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors, making it comforting and satisfying for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, it freezes well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- Optional: 1 cup corn, zucchini, or carrots (for variations)
Liquids
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Chopped jalapeños or dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat
- Plant-based crumbles for meat substitute
- Liquid smoke or chipotle in adobo for smoky flavor boost
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables and toast the spices slightly, unlocking vibrant aromas.
- Incorporate tomatoes and broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
- Add beans and simmer: Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the pot. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors intensified.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If too thick, add more broth or water. Once satisfied with taste and consistency, remove from heat and prepare to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- Sauté onions and spices first to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Consider adding a pinch of sugar or splash of vinegar to balance acidity if needed.
- Simmer the chili low and slow to harmonize flavors and enrich the dish.
- Let the chili rest slightly before serving to deepen flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg