A Bowl of Comfort: Homemade Vegetarian Chili
Hello, lovely readers! Iโm Hayat, and today, Iโm thrilled to share one of my favorite cozy meals with you: Homemade Vegetarian Chili. As the weather cools and those cravings for hearty, comforting dishes arise, this chili is the perfect answer. Itโs a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal that combines tender beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices into a dish that will warm you from the inside out. But this isnโt just any chiliโitโs a celebration of wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re looking for a meat-free option or simply a delicious family dinner, this vegetarian chili will impress with every spoonful. Itโs also perfect for meal prep, ensuring your weeknights are stress-free and full of flavor. Looking for more cozy recipes? Try my Vegetable Lentil Soup or the versatile Avocado Toast With Egg for more healthy meal ideas! So, grab your apron, and letโs dive into a bowl of homemade goodness! Each bite is a reminder that healthy eating can be both delicious and fulfilling.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
1. Flavorful and Nutritious
This chili is packed with protein-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Itโs a complete meal thatโs both hearty and healthy, offering a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Beans, especially black and kidney beans, are a great source of plant-based protein, making them a fantastic addition to vegetarian diets.
2. Simple to Make
No need to spend hours in the kitchenโthis chili is quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or batch cooking for the week ahead. If youโre looking for time-saving tips on cooking more efficiently, check out this guide on meal prep to make your week even easier.
3. Versatile Toppings
The fun part? You can customize your chili with your favorite toppings! Think avocado slices, tortilla chips, or even a dollop of coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. Check out these healthy topping ideas to take your bowl to the next level.
Equipment
To make this Homemade Vegetarian Chili, hereโs what youโll need:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | For sautรฉing vegetables and cooking the chili. |
| Wooden Spoon | To stir and combine the ingredients. |
| Knife & Cutting Board | For chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients. |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | To measure out the beans, vegetables, and spices. |
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ยฝ cups vegetable stock (or water)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Sour cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- Avocado slices
- Diced red onion
- Tortilla chips
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Instructions:
1. Sautรฉ Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and poblano pepper, and sautรฉ for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Beans and Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and vegetable stock. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. If youโre unsure about which beans to use, this article on the best types of beans offers great suggestions.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the cubed sweet potato and diced zucchini to the pot. Cover and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, diced red onion, or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor!
Estimated Cost
Hereโs a rough breakdown of the cost of ingredients for this Homemade Vegetarian Chili. Prices may vary depending on your location.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | $0.15 |
| Onion | 1, diced | $0.75 |
| Poblano pepper | 1, diced | $0.50 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | $0.10 |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon | $0.15 |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon | $0.10 |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon | $0.10 |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | $1.00 |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) | $1.00 |
| Kidney beans | 1 can (15 oz) | $1.00 |
| Vegetable stock | 1 ยฝ cups | $0.75 |
| Sweet potato | 1 medium | $0.50 |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | $0.75 |
Total Estimated Cost: $6.85
Nutritional Information
Hereโs an estimated breakdown of the calories in Homemade Vegetarian Chili per serving:
| Ingredient | Calories per Serving | Total Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 120 | 120 |
| Onion | 45 | 45 |
| Poblano pepper | 15 | 15 |
| Garlic | 10 | 10 |
| Chili powder | 20 | 20 |
| Cumin | 8 | 8 |
| Oregano | 5 | 5 |
| Diced tomatoes | 60 | 60 |
| Black beans | 100 | 100 |
| Kidney beans | 100 | 100 |
| Vegetable stock | 15 | 15 |
| Sweet potato | 130 | 130 |
| Zucchini | 25 | 25 |
Total Calories: 653 | Calories per Serving: ~109
Health Benefits of Homemade Vegetarian Chili
- Rich in Nutrients: This chili is packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and spices, making it a nutrient-dense meal. Ingredients like sweet potatoes and zucchini provide essential vitamins (A, C, and K) and minerals (potassium and magnesium).
- High in Fiber: The beans and vegetables contribute a significant amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness. This can aid in weight management by reducing the likelihood of overeating.
- Plant-Based Protein: With beans as a primary ingredient, this chili offers a great source of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making this dish a wholesome choice for vegetarians and vegans.
- Heart Health: Beans are known to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health due to their high fiber and antioxidant content. The spices, particularly cumin and chili powder, may also have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit heart health.
- Blood Sugar Control: The complex carbohydrates found in beans and sweet potatoes are digested slowly, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This makes it an excellent choice for those managing diabetes or anyone looking to maintain steady energy levels.
- Antioxidant Properties: Many ingredients in the chili, such as tomatoes and peppers, are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Hydration: The vegetable stock and moisture from the vegetables contribute to hydration, which is vital for overall health.
- Customizable Health Benefits: You can further enhance the health benefits of this chili by adding other nutritious ingredients like leafy greens, quinoa, or more spices known for their health-promoting properties.
Incorporating Homemade Vegetarian Chili into your diet not only provides a delicious meal option but also supports your overall health and well-being. Enjoy the comfort of a hearty bowl while reaping the nutritional rewards!
Tips & Tricks
- Meal Prep Friendly: This chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Pair it with my Cucumber and Tomato Salad for a complete, fresh meal!
- Extra Protein: Add crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative for an extra protein boost. Hereโs a helpful guide to plant-based protein to help you get more ideas.
- Adjust Spice Level: Like it spicy? Add more chili powder or include a diced jalapeรฑo for a kick!
Variations
- Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Different Beans: Swap out black and kidney beans for pinto or cannellini beans.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Simple and hands-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Is this chili gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Check out this article for more information on eating gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
A: Yes! Freeze the chili in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Wrap-Up: A Bowl of Comfort Awaits!
There you have itโa simple, delicious, and hearty Homemade Vegetarian Chili thatโs perfect for every occasion. Whether youโre enjoying it alone or sharing with loved ones, this chili is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Did you make this recipe? Iโd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, or tag me on Instagram using #NotAllRecipes. And if youโre in the mood for more comforting dishes, check out my Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese for another healthy option.
Recap Of The Recipe
Homemade Vegetarian Chili
Equipment
- Large Pot For sautรฉing vegetables and cooking the chili.
- Wooden Spoon To stir the chili and combine the ingredients.
- Knife & cutting board To chop vegetables and prepare ingredients.
- Measuring cups & spoons To measure out the beans, vegetables, and spices.
Ingredients
- For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 poblano pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ยฝ cups vegetable stock
- 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cubed
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings optional:
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Diced red onion
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sautรฉ Vegetables: Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and poblano pepper, sautรฉ for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and vegetable stock. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the cubed sweet potato and diced zucchini to the pot. Cover and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, red onion, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeรฑos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spiciness. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
- Beans: Feel free to switch up the types of beans used in this recipe. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas work wonderfully. You can also mix in different types of beans for added texture.
- Bulk It Up: To make the chili even heartier, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn. This not only adds extra flavor but boosts the nutritional value.
- For a Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans with a potato masher while cooking or let the chili simmer uncovered for a longer period. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This chili freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. Store in individual portions in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
- Flavor Enhancements: A dash of liquid smoke or a few drops of soy sauce can add umami depth to your vegetarian chili. This is especially helpful if you’re missing the smoky flavor of traditional chili made with meat.
- Leftovers: Leftover chili can be used in a variety of ways, such as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or served over rice. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos for a quick meal.
- Serving Suggestion: This chili pairs perfectly with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
