If you’re craving something warm, filling, and loaded with bold flavor, this Hearty Vegan Chili is your perfect bowl of comfort. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber-rich beans, vibrant vegetables, and savory spices, this chili is the ultimate one-pot meal for cozy nights, meal preps, or gatherings.
Hearty Vegan Chili – A Bold, Wholesome Comfort Dish
This Hearty Vegan Chili proves that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional comfort food. Whether you're vegan or just trying to eat more plants, this chili is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Servings: 3
Cost: 200
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 can 400g diced tomatoes
- 1 can 400g black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 400g kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of ½ lime
- Optional toppings: avocado vegan sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add veggies
- Stir in carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until slightly tender.
Add spices & tomato paste
- Mix in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until everything is coated and fragrant.
Add beans, lentils, tomatoes, and broth
- Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Simmer
- Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken as it cooks.
Final touch
- Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
🥑 Topping Ideas
- Make your bowl even better with:
- Sliced avocado
- Vegan sour cream
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh jalapeño for heat
🔁 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing.
📝 Variations
- Add quinoa or bulgur for extra texture.
- Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a fall-inspired twist.
- Try chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.