Vegetarian chili is a hearty and flavorful dinner option that’s easy to prepare. Here’s how to make a delicious vegetarian chili with beans, vegetables, and spices:
- Ingredients: Gather the following ingredients: mixed beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans), onions, bell peppers, garlic, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and your favorite vegetables (such as zucchini and corn).
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté until softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic and your choice of spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the mixed beans, canned tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables such as diced zucchini and corn. Simmer the chili for 20-30 minutes until the flavors meld and the vegetables are tender.
- Season to Taste: Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the vegetarian chili hot, topped with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different beans and vegetables to customize the chili:
- Smoky: Add a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a bit of honey or maple syrup and a dash of hot sauce.
- Chunky: Use chunky vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
- Meal Prep: Vegetarian chili can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Recipe Example: For a classic vegetarian chili, sauté onions and bell peppers in a pot. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir in mixed beans, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and diced zucchini. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
By customizing your vegetarian chili with different beans and vegetables, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any night.