Cozy Vegetarian Chili Recipe for Flavorful Comfort

Vegetarian Chili

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total: 40 mins | Serves: ['6', '6 servings (1.6 cups each)'] | Cuisine: American

Imagine a bubbling pot of Vegetarian Chili, rich with vibrant colors and inviting aromas that waft through your kitchen. As you take a spoonful, the warmth envelops you, blending the hearty texture of beans with the satisfying kick of spices. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors, from the savory diced onions and garlic to the sweet depth of molasses that ties it all together. This chili isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s also a comforting dish that’s easy on the wallet. With ingredients like fire-roasted green chiles and zesty tomato paste, you’ll find that creating this cozy meal is both simple and rewarding. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly evening or prepping a batch for the week ahead, this Vegetarian Chili is sure to become a staple in your home. So grab your favorite pot and let’s transform these humble ingredients into a bowl of heartwarming goodness.

Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil ($0.38)
• 1 diced onion ($0.99)
• 3 minced garlic cloves ($0.18)
• 1 small diced green bell pepper ($0.78)
• 6 ounces of tomato paste ($0.86)
• 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes (in their juices, $1.48)
• 4-ounce can of fire-roasted green chiles (with juices, $0.88)
• 2 tablespoons of molasses ($0.32*)
• 1 cup of water ($0.00)
• 15-ounce can of dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed, $0.92)
• 15-ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed, $0.92)
• 15-ounce can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed, $0.92)
• 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn (strained, $0.76)
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder ($0.20)
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin ($0.18)
• ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper ($0.04)
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder ($0.02)
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder ($0.04)
• ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper ($0.04)
• 1 teaspoon of salt ($0.02)

Instructions

Step 1

Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces, and finely mince the garlic.

Step 2

In your chili pot, heat the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over medium-low heat for 2-4 minutes until they become fragrant.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in your pot, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables soften.

Step 4

Cook the peppers and onions together until they soften, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced green chiles, molasses, and water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

calories: 426 kcal

fat: 8 g

carbohydrate: 74 g

protein: 20 g

fiber: 19 g

servingSize: 1 serving

Shop This Recipe

• Olive Oil $0.38
• Onion Diced $0.99
• Garlic Minced $0.18
• Green Bell Pepper Diced Small $0.78
• Tomato Paste $0.86

My Tip

To enhance the depth of flavor in your vegetarian chili, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in the olive oil until they’re soft and slightly caramelized before adding the garlic. This extra step brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful richness to the dish.

Leftovers

To store your delicious vegetarian chili, transfer it to an airtight glass container for the best flavor retention, and it will keep in the fridge for up to five days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Make It Your Own

For a delightful twist, swap the green bell pepper for a red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness, and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that complements the chili beautifully.

#vegetarian chili