Description
This hearty vegan chili is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Packed with beans, vegetables, and bold spices, it’s rich and satisfying without a trace of meat or dairy. The secret lies in layering flavors—sautéing your vegetables well, blooming your spices, and letting everything simmer into a cozy, flavor-packed bowl. This chili is naturally vegan, budget-friendly, and versatile. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The best part? It tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14 oz each)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Add beans and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with lime juice and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add a square of dark chocolate or a splash of soy sauce.
- If you like thicker chili, mash some beans before simmering.
- Adjust spices to your personal heat preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg