Description
Hearty vegan chili with bold spices brings robust flavors from Mexico’s culinary traditions. Nutritious beans, vegetables, and smoky seasonings create a comforting meal you’ll crave during cool evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Base Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced aromatics (onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery). Sauté until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate robust spice blend (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne) into the vegetable mixture. Toast spices for 60-90 seconds, allowing their intense flavors to bloom and release aromatic compounds.
- Introduce remaining ingredients: zucchini, corn kernels, kidney and black beans, tomato products (diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste), and vegetable broth. Thoroughly integrate all components, ensuring even distribution.
- Elevate liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Allow chili to gently simmer, uncovered, for 35-45 minutes. Periodically stir to prevent potential bottom scorching and promote flavor melding.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to personal preference. Finish with a bright splash of lime juice moments before serving to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving bowls while piping hot. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an additional layer of herbaceous complexity.
Notes
- Spice Level Flexibility: Adjust cayenne pepper according to heat preference, adding gradually to control spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
- Bean Variation: Experiment with different bean combinations like pinto, cannellini, or navy beans for unique texture and flavor profiles.
- Protein Boost: Add plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or textured vegetable protein for extra nutritional density and meaty texture.
- Freezer-Friendly Option: This chili freezes excellently for up to 3 months, making meal prep convenient and time-saving for busy weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg