Spicy Harvest Vegetarian Chili
This Spicy Harvest Vegetarian Chili is a hearty and satisfying dish packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and protein. Infused with bold flavors, it features fresh tomatoes, robust beans, and crumbled tofu, creating a savory base that is perfect for chilly evenings. The addition of jalapeños and optional crushed chili flakes allows for customizable heat, making it as spicy as you desire. This dish is not only nourishing with jumbled nutrition from different veggies, but it’s also a delightful way to enjoy a meatless meal that will please everyone at the table, regardless of dietary preferences.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Green Bell Pepper
1 medium (seeded and chopped)
Carrot
1 medium (diced)
Fresh Tomatoes
2 cups (unpeeled and unseeded)
Garlic
6 cloves (finely chopped)
Pinto Beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Red Kidney Beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Firm Tofu
1 lb (rinsed, patted dry, and crumbled)
Water or Vegetable Broth
2 cups (none)
Frozen Whole Kernel Corn
2 cups (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (seasoned salt recommended)
Chili Powder
1-2 tablespoons (none)
Cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large 5-quart Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions, green bell peppers, and diced carrots to the pot, sautéing until they are tender and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the fresh tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4
Add the undrained pinto beans and red kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, crumbled tofu, water (or vegetable broth for more flavor), and frozen corn to the pot. Mix well to combine.
5
Season the mixture with salt, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and if desired, additional jalapeños or crushed chili flakes for heat.
6
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer then cover and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can adjust the seasonings at any time according to your taste.
7
About halfway through the cooking time, taste and add fresh ground black pepper and additional salt if needed. Continue to simmer until you've reached your desired consistency and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Harvest Vegetarian Chili?
Spicy Harvest Vegetarian Chili is a hearty and satisfying meatless dish packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, protein-rich beans, and crumbled tofu, perfect for chilly evenings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan-friendly as it uses tofu and beans for protein and does not include any animal products like dairy or meat.
What kind of tofu should I use for this chili?
The recipe calls for one pound of firm tofu that has been rinsed, patted dry, and crumbled to mimic the texture of ground meat.
Should I drain the beans before adding them to the pot?
No, both the pinto beans and red kidney beans should be added undrained to incorporate their canning liquid into the base for better flavor and thickness.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
You will need six cloves of garlic, finely chopped, to provide a robust and savory flavor base for the chili.
What vegetables are included in the initial sauté?
The initial sauté includes one medium chopped onion, one medium seeded and chopped green bell pepper, and one medium diced carrot.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should be covered and simmered for 45 to 60 minutes, with occasional stirring to ensure even cooking and flavor development.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Yes, the recipe suggests using two cups of vegetable broth instead of water if you want to add more depth and flavor to the dish.
Is this chili very spicy?
The chili features chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, but the heat is customizable by adding more jalapeños or crushed chili flakes as desired.
What type of pot is best for cooking this chili?
A large 5-quart Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe to allow enough space for the vegetables, beans, and liquids.
Do I need to peel the fresh tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using two cups of unpeeled and unseeded fresh tomatoes for a more rustic and natural texture.
What spices are used to season the chili?
The main seasonings include chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Is seasoned salt required for this recipe?
While regular salt can be used, the recipe recommends using two teaspoons of seasoned salt for an enhanced flavor profile.
When should I add the frozen corn?
The two cups of frozen whole kernel corn should be added along with the beans, crushed tomatoes, and liquid before the simmering process begins.
How much oil is needed to start the recipe?
You will need two tablespoons of oil to sauté the onions, peppers, and carrots over medium heat.
What is the role of carrots in this chili?
The diced carrots add essential nutrients and a subtle harvest sweetness that complements the spicy elements of the dish.
Can I add jalapeños to this recipe?
Yes, additional jalapeños can be stirred in during the seasoning step if you want to increase the heat levels.
When do I add the fresh garlic?
The finely chopped garlic is added to the pot along with the fresh tomatoes after the other vegetables have become tender.
What size cans of beans are used?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of pinto beans and one 15.5-ounce can of red kidney beans.
Can I adjust the seasonings during cooking?
Yes, you can adjust the seasonings at any time according to your taste, particularly halfway through the simmering time.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because it is a warm, savory, and filling dish perfect for cold weather.
How much cumin is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of cumin to provide an earthy and aromatic flavor.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
One medium onion should be chopped before being sautéed in the Dutch oven.
Is there a specific amount of black pepper to use?
Fresh ground black pepper should be added to taste, ideally halfway through the cooking process.
What type of canned tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes to help create the thick chili base.
Can I use crushed chili flakes?
Yes, if you desire extra heat, crushed chili flakes can be added along with the other dry spices.
How much cayenne pepper is in the chili?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a balanced level of spiciness.
What is the preparation for the firm tofu?
The tofu should be rinsed, patted dry with a towel, and then crumbled before being added to the chili.
How much chili powder should I use?
You can use between 1 and 2 tablespoons of chili powder depending on your preference for spice intensity.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it involves simple sautéing and simmering steps that are easy to follow.