Hearty Spicy Vegetarian Chili
This Hearty Spicy Vegetarian Chili is a deliciously thick and satisfying dish, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you're craving a comforting meal. The bulgur mimics the texture and appearance of ground meat, making this chili a filling option even for meat lovers. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich beans, and zesty spices, it's both nutritious and hearty. Serve it with crusty fresh bread and a crisp garden salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own. Plus, it freezes and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner. Experience the unique depth of flavor added by unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of sugar - an unexpected twist you won’t want to miss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
onions
2 medium (chopped)
green pepper
1 medium (chopped)
red pepper
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh mushrooms
2 cups (sliced)
red kidney beans
2 cups (cooked (drained))
chickpeas
2 cups (cooked (drained))
bulgur or couscous
1/2 cup (rinsed)
diced tomatoes
796 ml (canned)
salsa
1 cup (medium)
water
1/2 cup (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne
1/4 teaspoon (none)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
canned corn niblet
1 cup (frozen works well)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, green pepper, red pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
3
Add the cooked red kidney beans, chickpeas, rinsed bulgur (or couscous), canned diced tomatoes, salsa, water, chili powder, dried basil, ground pepper, oregano, cumin, cayenne, cocoa powder, and sugar. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
After 25 minutes, stir in the corn and simmer uncovered until the corn is heated through, about 5 minutes.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, enjoying it with fresh bread or a side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Spicy Vegetarian Chili?
It is a thick and satisfying vegetarian dish that uses bulgur to mimic the texture of ground meat, packed with vegetables and beans.
How does this chili achieve a meat-like texture?
The use of bulgur mimics the texture and appearance of ground meat, making it filling for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
What are the primary protein sources in this recipe?
The protein is provided by 2 cups of red kidney beans and 2 cups of chickpeas.
What is the secret ingredient in this chili?
The recipe uses unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of sugar to provide a unique depth of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for meal prep as it freezes and reheats beautifully.
How long does it take to cook the chili?
The chili requires about 10 minutes of sautéing followed by a 25-minute covered simmer and a final 5-minute uncovered simmer.
Can I substitute bulgur with anything else?
Yes, the recipe suggests that couscous can be used as an alternative to bulgur.
What should I serve with this vegetarian chili?
It is recommended to serve it with crusty fresh bread and a crisp garden salad.
Is the chili very spicy?
The spice level comes from chili powder, cayenne, and medium salsa, but you can adjust these to your preference.
When should I add the corn?
The corn should be added after the initial 25-minute simmer and cooked for an additional 5 minutes.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe notes that frozen corn works well as a substitute for canned corn niblets.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to cook the beans before adding them to the pot?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of red kidney beans and 2 cups of chickpeas that are already cooked and drained.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 796 ml can of diced tomatoes.
What spices are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes chili powder, dried basil, ground pepper, oregano, cumin, and cayenne.
How much oil is required for sautéing?
Only 1 teaspoon of olive oil is needed to sauté the initial vegetables.
What vegetables are sautéed at the start?
Onions, green peppers, red peppers, and garlic are sautéed first, followed by mushrooms.
Is this recipe vegan?
Based on the ingredient list, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
How much bulgur should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rinsed bulgur or couscous.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 21 ingredients in this recipe.
How much water is added to the chili?
1/2 cup of water is added along with the other liquid ingredients.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is used to balance the flavors and complement the cocoa powder.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 medium onions, chopped.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms.
Do I simmer the chili covered or uncovered?
Simmer it covered for the first 25 minutes, then uncovered for the final 5 minutes after adding the corn.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as nutritious, packed with fiber-rich beans, vegetables, and whole grains.
What size should the peppers be?
The recipe calls for 1 medium green pepper and 1 medium red pepper.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and is also freezer-friendly.
How much salsa is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of medium salsa.