Hearty Vegetarian Southwest Chili
Gina's Hearty Vegetarian Southwest Chili is a colorful and flavor-packed dish that celebrates the rich natural flavors of fresh vegetables and legumes. Every bite is an explosion of taste—from the sweet notes of bell peppers to the spicy kick of jalapeños. This chili is not only a delicious way to cut down on meat but also a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Even the meat lovers will be asking for seconds! Serve it piping hot topped with a dollop of creamy sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cheddar cheese, and a handful of cilantro. Pair with a side of homemade cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
2 (peeled and thinly sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
jalapenos
3 large (seeded and minced (about 4 1/2 tablespoons))
diced fire roasted tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (with juice)
vegetable stock or water
2 cups (none)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
bulgur (cracked wheat)
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons (none)
ground dried chipotle pepper
1 tablespoon (or 1-2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce, pureed)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
sour cream
to garnish (none)
grated cheddar cheese
to garnish (none)
fresh cilantro
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, chopped red bell pepper, and minced jalapeños.
2
Sauté the vegetables for about 8 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
3
Next, stir in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable stock (or water), kidney beans, chickpeas, bulgur, and minced garlic.
4
Sprinkle in the ancho chile powder, ground chipotle pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and red wine vinegar. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5
Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Continue cooking for about 20 minutes or until the bulgur is tender and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
7
Once cooked, ladle the chili into individual bowls and add garnishes of sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro to each serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetarian Southwest Chili?
It is a colorful and flavor-packed vegetarian dish featuring fresh vegetables, legumes, and a blend of Southwest spices like ancho chile and cumin.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from three large minced jalapeños, ancho chile powder, and ground chipotle pepper.
What vegetables are in this recipe?
The recipe includes onions, carrots, red bell peppers, jalapeños, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
How long does it take to cook the chili?
After an 8-minute sauté, the chili simmers for approximately 20 minutes, making the total cook time around 30-35 minutes.
What beans are used in this vegetarian chili?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of kidney beans and one 15-ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
What is the secret ingredient for texture in this chili?
One-half cup of bulgur (cracked wheat) is added to provide a hearty, meat-like texture and thickness.
Can I substitute the chipotle powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of ground dried chipotle pepper with 1-2 teaspoons of pureed chipotle in adobo sauce.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, you should use two 28-ounce cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes along with their juice.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is there any vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar are added to enhance the flavor profile.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be peeled and thinly sliced before being added to the pot.
What are the recommended garnishes?
It is best served with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The base recipe is vegan if you use vegetable stock; however, you must omit the sour cream and cheddar cheese garnishes or use dairy-free alternatives.
Can I use water instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2 cups of either vegetable stock or water.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used besides chili powder?
The spice blend includes ground cumin, ground coriander, and a hint of ground cinnamon.
How do I know when the chili is done?
The chili is ready when the bulgur is tender and the liquid has thickened to your desired consistency.
Should I cover the pot while simmering?
No, the instructions state to allow it to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
What side dish pairs well with this chili?
Homemade cornbread is highly recommended for a complete and satisfying meal.
How many jalapeños are used?
The recipe uses 3 large jalapeños, which equals about 4.5 tablespoons when minced.
Are the beans cooked from scratch or canned?
The recipe uses canned kidney beans and chickpeas for convenience.
What makes this chili 'Southwest' style?
The use of fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, ancho chile, chipotle, and cumin gives it its signature Southwest flavor.
Do I need to peel the jalapeños?
No, but they should be seeded and minced.
What size cans of tomatoes are needed?
You will need two 28-ounce cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes.
Is this a good meal for picky eaters?
Yes, the description mentions that even meat lovers will enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish.
How much bulgur should I add?
Add 1/2 cup of bulgur (cracked wheat) to the pot.
What is the heat level of the ancho chile powder?
Ancho chile powder provides a mild to medium heat with a smoky, fruity undertone.
Can I use different beans?
While kidney beans and chickpeas are standard, you can likely substitute black beans or pinto beans if desired.
Why is cinnamon used in the chili?
A small amount of cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) adds depth and a subtle warmth that complements the savory spices.
Is this chili a main dish?
Yes, it is classified as a hearty main dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.