Vegan Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables:
   • Add the bell pepper, carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Beans and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
   • Mix well to combine.
4. Season the Chili:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth.
   • Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper if using.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Chili:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Corn and Lime Juice:
   • Stir in the frozen corn and cook for another 5 minutes.
   • Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
   • Serve hot, with optional toppings like avocado, vegan sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Tips

• Bean Variety: Feel free to use different types of beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Veggies: You can add or substitute other vegetables such as mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or squash.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to control the heat level to your liking.
• Toppings: Customize your chili with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, vegan cheese, green onions, or jalapeños.

This hearty and flavorful vegan chili is perfect for a comforting meal, and it’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Enjoy!