Vegetarian Chili Wellplated Com

Although this chili is meatless, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s wimpy or weak. Filled with plant-based protein and fiber, alive with smoky spices, and so thick your spoon can practically stand up straight in your bowl, this award-worthy chili will please even the staunchest of carnivores. One of my favorite things about chili is how many different, delicious personalities it can take. But what about when you need a go-to chili that appeals to different dietary needs (gluten free, vegetarian, vegan), tastes great leftover, feeds a crowd, AND doesn’t require any special appliances?

Instant Pot Chili is perfect for when you want things fast and hands-free.Instant Pot Paleo Chili and Whole30 Chili are for those who like their chili without beans.Healthy Turkey Chili and Pumpkin Chili have become reader stovetop go-tos.Crockpot White Chicken Chili is ideal for those who prefer less spice.Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes has beer as a secret ingredient and the addition of quinoa to make it extra filling.This Green Chili Recipe is my favorite all-day chili recipe.The Blue Ribbon Chili in The Well Plated Cookbook is my best-ever and has won you all multiple chili-cook offs!

That’s where this chili comes in! It’s hands down THE BEST vegetarian chili recipe I’ve had and one of my favorite (meat or meatless) chili recipes to date.

How to Make Vegetarian Chili from Scratch

Say goodbye to vegetarian chili that’s canned! Homemade vegetarian chili is simple to make and will blow the store bought stuff away. My best secret ingredients for chili are cinnamon, chipotle chili powder, red wine vinegar, and a touch of honey. Each plays a special role in making this chili unforgettable.

The Ingredients

Bell Peppers. A mixture of green and red bell peppers add beautiful color, fresh flavor, and nutritional value to the chili.Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables to add to meatless chili. They make it filling and add wonderful texture. Plus, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fiber. Chili Powder + Cumin. Classic chili spices that add hallmark flavor and depth. Chipotle Chile Powder. Adds a delightful smokiness. Cinnamon. Adding cinnamon is a trick I discovered when developing the chili for my cookbook. It adds a rich warmth that makes the chili especially memorable. Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes. To give the chili that simmered-all-day flavor. This is a pantry staple of mine.Beans. I used a combination of black beans and pinto beans. Both add a scrumptious creamy texture and heartiness to the chili.

Red Wine Vinegar. Adds vibrancy and pop! You can’t taste it specifically, but it’s truly transformative. Taste the chili before and after; you’ll be surprised.

Honey. Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the chili more well-rounded. To make vegan chili, use granulated sugar or maple syrup instead.

The Directions

Topping Your Vegetarian Chili

Avocado. Creamy avocado slices are a scrumptious addition to your bowl of chili. Cheese. A crowd-pleasing, classic chili topping is shredded cheese such as cheddar cheese. To make the chili vegan, you can skip the cheese and load up on other hearty toppings. Tortilla Chips. Crunchy, salty, and oh so delicious! If you need to make this chili gluten free, be sure to use gluten free tortilla chips. Greek Yogurt. Instead of sour cream, we love to add a dollop of cool and tangy nonfat plain Greek yogurt to our chili. Fresh Cilantro. A beautiful, fresh green topping.

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also rewarm leftover vegetarian chili gently in the microwave.To Freeze. Freeze leftover chili in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Dutch Oven. Perfect for making a big pot of chili. Ladle. My go-to for serving soups and chilis. Extra Large Cutting Board. The ideal size for cutting all the veggies.

The next time you are looking for a hearty plant-based main, a cool-weather warm up, or a stellar healthy meal that will delight your taste buds and your belly alike, give this vegetarian chili a spin.

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