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The Best Vegetarian Bean Chili

The Best Vegetarian Bean Chili
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The Best Vegetarian Bean Chili is a wholesome, comforting, and hearty dish blending a variety of beans, fresh vegetables, and vibrant spices. Packed with protein and fiber, this easy-to-make chili offers rich, layered flavors and is perfect for year-round enjoyment. Customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs, it makes a nutritious and satisfying meal ideal for batch cooking and leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor release. Drain and rinse your canned beans to remove excess sodium and preserve texture.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, creating the savory foundation for your chili.
  3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in chopped bell peppers along with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute to unlock their aromatic oils and enhance flavor depth.
  4. Combine Beans and Tomatoes: Mix the drained beans and diced tomatoes into the pot, giving everything a good stir to coat ingredients evenly in the spice mixture.
  5. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in vegetable broth and bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use dried beans for best texture: soak and cook if time allows.
  • Layer your spices: add some during sautéing and some mid-cooking.
  • Don’t rush simmering; longer simmering melds flavors beautifully.
  • Adjust consistency with vegetable broth or by simmering uncovered.
  • Balance flavors at the end with lime juice or additional salt as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian chili, bean chili, meatless chili, healthy chili, gluten free chili, plant based chili

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/the-best-vegetarian-bean-chili/