Ultimate Vegetarian Chili
Try this Ultimate Vegetarian Chili recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Ultimate Vegetarian Chili recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 large carrots diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 1 (10-ounce) package sliced white button or crimini roughly chopped
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chili beans drained and rinsed (chili beans are a mix of kidney, pinto and black beans)
- 2 (28-ounce) cans fire-roasted crushed tomatoes (mui
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (i like imagine brand)
- 1 (8-ounce) package seitan drained, rinsed and finely diced into 1/4’ inch pieces (i use sweet earth brand traditional flavor strips or slices)
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1 (5-ounce) box baby spinach chopped
- garnishes: sliced avocado unsweetened soy yogurt, shredded vegan cheddar and fresh cilantro
- Carbohydrate 10.4381499971767 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.471390833323245 g
- Fiber 2.15822498944927 g
- Protein 1.01195916669626 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0844920833097438 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (59g)
- Sodium 27.9819999844226 mg
- Sugar 8.27992500772744 g
- Trans Fat 0.0892866666633825 g
- Calories 45 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot, sauté onion in a couple tablespoons of water over medium heat for about 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add celery, carrot and mushrooms and cook for another 10 minutes, adding a couple tablespoons of water as needed to prevent sticking, until all vegetables are tender.
- Add garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add beans, tomatoes, vegetable broth, seitan, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and maple syrup.
- Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- About 2 minutes before serving, stir in spinach. Allow to wilt.
- Serve in large, shallow bowls topped with avocado, soy yogurt, shredded vegan cheddar and fresh cilantro.
My Ultimate Vegetarian Chili Adventure: A Busy Mom's Guide to Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meals
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and satisfying meals that the whole family enjoys can feel like searching for a pot of gold at the end of a very long rainbow. That's why I'm thrilled to share my Ultimate Vegetarian Chili recipe – a dish that's not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this chili comes together in a flash, leaving you with more time for family, work, or simply a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for ways to incorporate more vegetables into our diet, and I've since tweaked it to perfection. The secret? It's all in the balance of flavors. The rich, earthy notes of the cumin and chili powder are perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of the maple syrup and the freshness of the cilantro. And the best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Want it extra fiery? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper! Prefer a milder chili? Simply skip the cayenne.
This chili is incredibly versatile. I often serve it with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded vegan cheese, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as avocado, roasted corn, or even a fried egg for those who aren't strictly vegetarian. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it the perfect meal-prep option for busy weekdays. The flavors actually deepen overnight, resulting in an even more robust and satisfying chili.
Why This Vegetarian Chili Recipe Is a Weeknight Winner:
Speed and Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This is not one of those recipes that requires a day's worth of prep.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. The blend of sweet, spicy, and savory elements is wonderfully balanced.
Nutrient Powerhouse: Packed with beans, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, this chili is a nutritious and healthy meal option. It's a great source of protein and fiber.
Adaptability and Versatility: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Adjust the spice level, add other vegetables, and experiment with different toppings.
Ingredient Spotlight: Let's talk about the stars of the show! The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes brings a depth of smoky sweetness. The seitan adds a hearty texture and a satisfying protein punch, but feel free to substitute it with other protein sources like crumbled tofu or lentils.
Serving Suggestions: I love serving this chili in big, cozy bowls, topped with all my favorite garnishes. A dollop of vegan sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded vegan cheddar, a few slices of avocado, and a handful of fresh cilantro really take this dish to the next level. It's also delicious served with cornbread, crusty bread, or even tortilla chips for dipping.
Beyond the Bowl: Don't limit yourself to just bowls! This chili can also be used as a filling for baked potatoes, stuffed peppers, or even as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are endless!
This Ultimate Vegetarian Chili isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a recipe that I've embraced not just as a culinary creation, but as a symbol of my ability to balance the demands of my life with the simple joy of creating something nourishing and flavorful for my family. Try it yourself; I know you'll love it!
