Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Best Vegan Chili Recipe

The Best Vegan Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Vegan Chili delights with robust flavors that dance across your palate, packed with hearty beans and smoky spices. Balanced heat and rich textures make this plant-based comfort dish perfect for warming souls and satisfying hunger.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 large zucchini
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) corn kernels
  • 3 cloves garlic

Liquid and Tomato Base:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a generously-sized cooking vessel over moderate flame, creating a sizzling foundation for the robust chili.
  2. Introduce finely diced aromatic vegetables – crisp onions, pungent garlic, vibrant bell peppers, earthy carrots, and tender celery – allowing them to soften and release their essence, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Infuse the vegetable medley with concentrated tomato paste, chunky diced tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of spices, stirring continuously to develop deep, complex flavors for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Cascade protein-rich beans and sweet corn kernels into the bubbling mixture, then pour in vegetable broth to create a luscious consistency.
  5. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify for 25-35 minutes, developing a rich, hearty texture.
  6. Taste and calibrate seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of spices and depth.
  7. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of fresh, verdant cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat or reducing for milder taste.
  • Enhance protein content by incorporating quinoa or additional plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein during simmering.
  • chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze excess portions in airtight containers for convenient, quick meals up to 3 months later, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 213 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg