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Hearty Vegetarian Chili Recipe with Protein-Packed Beans

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A quick and easy vegetarian chili packed with a mix of protein-rich beans and smoky spices, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and carrots; sauté for 7-8 minutes until onion is translucent and vegetables soften with slight caramelization.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers with adobo sauce; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste; mix well and cook for about 3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  5. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly to combine.
  6. Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas; simmer for another 10 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  8. Scoop out about 1 cup of chili and blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender; stir the blended beans back into the pot to thicken the chili naturally.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. Just before serving, stir in juice of one lime.
  10. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Optionally add sour cream or shredded cheese.

Notes

If chili is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Let chili rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors settle. Simmer uncovered for best texture but can cover partially to speed cooking. Adjust chipotle peppers and chili powder to control heat level. Blend some beans for creaminess without dairy.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian chili, protein-packed beans, easy chili recipe, meatless chili, healthy chili, quick dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/hearty-vegetarian-chili-recipe-with-protein-packed-beans-easy-and-delicious/