With creamy beans, tender vegetables, and stewed tomatoes, this hearty vegetarian chili provides all the satisfaction of traditional beef chili.
Ingredients
2 tbsp
Water
1 medium
Red onion
(chopped)
1 large pepper(s)
Red bell pepper
(chopped)
2 medium
Carrots
(chopped)
2 medium stalk(s)
Celery
(chopped)
1/2 tsp
Salt
(divided)
4 clove(s)
Garlic
(pressed or minced)
2 tbsp
Chili powder
2 tsp
Cumin
1 1/2 tsp
Paprika, smoked
1 tsp
Oregano, dried
1 can(s) (28oz)
Diced tomatoes, low sodium, canned
2 can (15oz)
Black beans, canned
(rinsed and drained)
1 can(s) (15oz)
Pinto beans, canned
(rinsed and drained)
2 cup
Vegetable stock/broth, low sodium
(or water)
1 leaf
Bay leaf
2 tbsp
Cilantro (coriander)
(chopped, plus more for garnishing)
1 whole lime(s)
Lime juice (fresh)
(1-2 tsp - can use sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar, to taste)
Instructions
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the water until simmering. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery, and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent (about 7 to 10 minutes).
Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained and rinsed black beans and pinto beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes. Remove the chili from the heat.
For the best texture and flavor, transfer 1 ½ cups of the chili to a blender, making sure to get some of the liquid, and blend until smooth (watch out for hot steam). Add the blended mixture back into the pot and stir to combine.
Add the chopped cilantro, stir to blend, and then mix in the lime juice (or vinegar) and add salt, to taste.
Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with garnishes of your choice.
Notes:
Garnish Options:
Chopped cilantro
Sliced avocado
Tortilla chips
Sour cream, crème fraîche, or plain Greek yogurt
Grated cheddar or dairy-free cheese
Chopped green onion
Thinly sliced jalapeno
Storage Instructions:
This chili will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4 days or you can freeze it for longer-term storage.
