It’s freezing cold outside, and has been for days. All I want to eat is cozy comfort food like this vegetarian chili recipe. It’s my favorite, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
This chili is perfect for watching football games with a crowd, since it’s a hearty meatless option that carnivores will enjoy. Plus, it can be vegan and gluten free if you choose your toppings carefully. This chili will satisfy everyone.
I originally published this recipe four years ago. Since then, it’s become your favorite chili recipe as well (four-hundred reviews and counting).
I’ve cheered when you’ve told me that it won your chili competition, and love hearing that it’s become a staple recipe in your kitchen. Hooray!
How to Make the Best Vegetarian Chili
While the ingredients in this chili recipe are super basic, the flavor is anything but. Simple ingredients can taste exceptional when they start off with aromatics like onion, carrot, celery and garlic.
I added traditional chili spices and some smoked paprika for an extra-savory, smoky note. Canned beans and tomatoes contribute delicious plant-based protein and heft.
Blending a small portion of the chili makes it look and taste like a chili that has been cooking all morning long, but it only needs about 30 minutes of simmering. That’s a little trick that I learned from my lentil soup, which is another cozy option for cold days.
Finishing off the chili with a little splash of sherry vinegar (or lime juice) and fresh cilantro makes it taste vibrant and fresh. The vinegar offers a little acidity and complexity, and it makes all the difference.
Watch how to make vegetarian chili
Chili Toppings
This chili is dairy free and vegan as written. You can keep it that way be choosing vegan toppings like sliced avocado and tortilla chips.
Here’s a full list of options:
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or crème fraîche
- Sliced or diced avocado
- Tortilla chips (crumbled if desired)
- Additional cilantro
- Lime wedges
Leftover Chili?
This chili makes great leftovers that keep well for four days in the refrigerator. Reheat your chili in a bowl and it’s good to go.
You can also serve this chili as a protein-rich topping on nachos, baked potatoes or oven-baked fries. Stuff your burritos or quesadillas with chili. Why not?
Please let me know how this chili turns out for you in the comments! I always love to hear from you.
Stay warm out there, and if you love this hearty soup, be sure to check out the hearty soup recipes in my cookbook.
PrintHomemade Vegetarian Chili
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
The smoky, complex flavor of this simple vegetarian chili comes from basic pantry ingredients, vegetables and spices! It makes great leftovers, too. Recipe yields 4 large or 6 moderate servings of chili.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder*
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika*
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large can (28 ounces) or 2 small cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes**, with their juices
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or lime juice, to taste
- Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream or crème fraîche, grated cheddar cheese, etc.
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained black beans and pinto beans, vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the chili from the heat and discard the bay leaf. For the best texture and flavor, transfer 1 ½ cups of the chili to a blender, making sure to get some of the liquid portion. Securely fasten the lid and blend until smooth (watch out for hot steam), then pour the blended mixture back into the pot. (Or, you can blend the chili briefly with an immersion blender, or mash the chili with a potato masher until it reaches a thicker, more chili-like consistency.)
- Add the chopped cilantro, stir to combine, and then mix in the vinegar, to taste. Add salt to taste, too—I added ¼ teaspoon more at this point. Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with garnishes of your choice. This chili will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4 days or you can freeze it for longer-term storage.
Notes
Recipes consulted during the making of this recipe: vegetarian chili with winter vegetables (The New York Times), vegetarian chili (Saveur) and winter vegetable chili (Food and Wine).
Make it vegan/dairy free: This chili recipe is vegan as written. Just be sure to choose vegan/dairy free toppings, such as avocado and tortilla chips.
If you love this recipe: You’ll also love my butternut squash chipotle chili and sweet potato chili. You might also enjoy my hearty lentil soup and black bean soup.
*Spice note: If you are sensitive to spice or using particularly potent spices (I hear that chili powder purchased outside of the U.S. can be very hot), you might want to scale back on the spice here. Start with half of the amounts listed and add more to taste. That said, I enjoy spicy food and found this chili to be well-balanced as written.
**Canned tomatoes note: I recommend Muir Glen brand—they have the best flavor and their cans are BPA-free!
Bonnie Rae
Wow just wow! What an amazing delicious dish. Great change from the regular chili, enjoyed so much it will on our daily rotation looking forward in trying some of your other recipes. Thanks again for sharing
Sara
Ellooo, how do I prep if I only have dried beans available? :)
Kate
Hi Sara! You could try using my black beans from scratch and try a modified version of that for the black beans. With the other beans suggested, you could find another recipe to cook those or just replace with all black beas.
Sergi
Hey Kate,
Would you use the same proportions if you’re using dried beans (2x 15oz + 1x 15 oz)? If so, would you weight them dry?
Thanks!
Kate
Hi Sergi! Here is a guide on cooking beans, I hope this helps!
Bertha
I was looking for a flavorful, non spicy chilli to feed my 90 year old mom. This recipe is perfect for her, garnished with vegan sour cream and vegan cheddar shreds. Loved the lime!
Caitlin
So delicious! Made pretty much as written with what I had on hand: no celery; used fire roasted diced tomatoes and a can of diced with jalapeños; scaled back chili powder to 1 1/2 tbsp; added vegan crumbles; used lemon juice; no cilantro. It was surprisingly good, even with the substitutions. The spices were spot on for my tastes. Thanks for ANOTHER great recipe!
Barb
Love this !
Thanks
I am vegetarian so this is perfect
Ended up using white and red Kidney Beans as that is what I had in pantry !
It’s pretty !
Caitlin
I’ve made this several times since with whatever ingredients I have on hand. I’ve decided I like it best without celery and with fire roasted tomatoes. I’ve made it with whatever beans I have on hand and like it with mostly black beans. It’s really delicious and just a great, customizable recipe.
Olyn
Oh my goodness this is amazing! I have it on my winter rotations, and it always gets rave reviews from vegans and meat lovers alike. It’s the perfect all occasion meal because it’s vegan, and gluten free. I’ve fed a crowd with it, given it to new parents, etc. I love that it’s so healthy-literally just lots of veggies and beans with spices!
I like to make my own beans in an instant pot to save money.
Emily
hey there! do you think this would work/be good with garbanzo beans? thanks for the recipe — i’ve made it at least 20 times!
Kate
Hi Emily You can try it. Although I like the beans listed best, those could still work. Slightly different texture and flavor.
Jacque Severino
I use 1 can kidney beans, 1 garbanzo, and 1 black beans and love it! It’s replaced my old go to chili recipe with that bean combination.
Sarah
Thanks for this recipe! It turned out great! I added a cup of quinoa and water to make it more filling.
Marjean
Fabulous! Incredible flavors and with a nice garlic roll, it is tremendous! My husband loves it too!
T
This looks fantastic. Could you add in green lentils or butternut squash (cubed)?
T
This looks fantastic. Could you add in green lentils or butternut squash (cubed)?
Kate
Hi! Sure, you could try it. It would adjust the the time and liquid with adding lentils.
Anna
I just subbed the carrots with butternut squash (and eating it as I type), and it was delicious. Can’t speak for Lentils, but if you like lentils I think the flavor would go well with chili.
Jeff
Great chile. My wife is Vegan and I am a meat eater and we both enjoyed it. Definitely not too spicy so it is kid friendly. The recipe was very clear to follow. I had never thought to puree a portion of The chile to you improve consistency. This is a game changer for me. I went the lime route and it ended up to be the perfect decision.
cato
Excellent base recipe. Made it today. I used Crushed tomatoes, three different beans, and kicked up the heat factor by adding some harissa and two diced chipotle peppers. Turned out delicious. The squeeze of fresh lime on the finish is a great tip.
Sarah
This was sooooo good! Thank you for sharing! We’re in south Texas, so the following day, leftovers were used for Frito Pie with some yummy cashew cheese!! Talk about amazing comfort food in a time it is needed most.
Nicole Harding
I LOVE this recipe, have made it multiple times and it never disappoints!
Rikke
I’ve made this so many times, and it’s my favorite chili recipe! The spices are just right, and I use the lime option when adding some acidity. The trick of blending a portion of it gives it the perfect texture. I like to make a batch and eat it for a few days, then freeze individual portions for easy lunches.
Karen Kouf
I love this recipe (and all of your others). Blending the mixture is fabulous way to satisfy all of the carnivores I serve. I find the vinegar a little biting for my taste but love the lime addition. Thank you!
Blair
Kate,
I had to come back and comment again. I left a comment in June. I have literally made this every week since then. Yesterday, my 6 year old (who was 5 when I commented last), said that your chili is better than Wendy’s and McDonald’s. She said if I were going to take her there for lunch but then made chili, she would pick the chili!! Your recipe is so AMAZING, that even a kid would give up a happy meal for it! Just had to let you know. We will probably make it every week forever and my girls will probably pass this recipe to their kids when they are older. THANK YOU!!!
Carole
Best Chili I have ever had. I tweaked :added and subtracted a few things but used the same spices …. wow.
Kathy
I followed the recipe exactly, used an immersion blender to blend just a little bit then added a little frozen corn, simmered 5 minutes and squeezed a little lime. it was the best chili I have ever made. Thanks!
Steve Hutch
First of all, the blending of some of the chili is brilliant. A fantastic suggestion!
I’m sure the recipe as suggested is great for most families. That said, my wife and daughter like things really spicy. So went with the recipe as written, but added a cookie sheet full of roasted hot peppers (think the count was three jalapeños, three hatch, one habanero, and the bells). Added some roasted corn as well to balance some of the heat. Added a little liquid smoke, too. We all loved it, though I’m still sweating as I type.
My daughter is a vegetarian (pescatarian, actually) and a competitive swimmer and water polo player, so any chance I can get protein in her is great. Thanks so much for the great recipe!
Jessica
Super delicious! Officially my favorite recipe for chili! Made exactly as the recipe stated and topped w/ raw onion, jalapeno and shredded cheese.
Kate
I’m happy to hear that, Jessica! I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Varshini
This is the BEST chili recipe. Don’t have the words to fully encompass how much I love it. I’ve made it so many times the past 2 years (easy enough for a new college grad to make well) and just made it for the first time since moving to Washington state. The best meal for autumn days. Thanks so much, Kate!!!
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m glad you loved it.
Susan Griffin
Can you make this in a slow cooker? If so hi or low and how long?
Kate
Hi Susan! I haven’t, tried it. I know some readers have tried it. I would still suggest to sauté your vegetables to get the best flavor.
Mickey
We just sautéd the veggies and then put it in the slow cooker for several hours – first on high until it started to bubble (about an hour) and then on low for two hours more. We couldn’t wait any longer because it smelled so good! Turned out great.
Thanks for another great receipe!
Kat
So good! I will make this chili again soon, but I’ll up the spices a bit and add a jalapeno, too. Some chilis and stews feel so wintry, but this one is perfect at the end of summer.
Alice Robertson
This recipe is delicious! Thank you so much for sharing! I found that the lime qas the best pairing for me personally after experimenting with the others! Im trying to improve my health and reduce the amount of meat I eat. The recipes on This site have really helped! Hope to be vegetarian by the end of the year, just need to learn how to have a roast dinner without the meat!
LaTonya Iskan
I’ve made this recipie twice so far.. my family loved it so much. Now that it’s fall, gonna make it a lot more..
Terresa
Enjoyed this very much. I added 1 Chipotle and 3 ea. Anaheim and Padilla because I only had 2 small bell peppers on my plant.
Lynn
This has become my go-to chili recipe! So hearty and so delicious!
Sophie Jones-Tinsley
Tried this chilli three times now and I’ve loved it every time! I add mushrooms too for some extra veggies and some garlic salt for added flavour. It’s become a regular go-to meal!
Sherri Pereira
This was a fantastic vegetarian chili recipe. Thanks so much!
Sherri Pereira.
This was a fantastic vegetarian chili recipe. I didn’t have celery, so I substituted with green onions and it was great. Next time I will add kidney beans in addition to the pinto and black beans. I love how versatile this recipe is. I think the tip to use an immersive blender makes this a secret sauce tip! Thanks so much!
Katelyn
So easy and delicious! I didn’t even miss the meat at all. I will definitely be making again!
Jane Mitchell
Made this recipe turned out great, however I didn’t read the * after the chilli powder ingredients that said chilli powder outside the US is hotter. I’m from Ireland and I threw in the two tablespoons of chilli powder. It was like Satan was having a party in my mouth . So people, read the fine print! Will make it again, but adjusting the chilli!
Laura Stuart
A big hit, even with the carnivores in the house! I had thought about adding some Quorn mince at the end for texture, but after a quick blitz with the blender, it didn’t need it. I took heed of your comment regarding chili powder (I’m in Scotland) and added only a teaspoon . It had a bit of kick without inducing a sweat, but we’re a bit wimpy when it comes to spicy dishes!
Elizabeth Cantkier
Love reading all the amazing reviews. Question: does it freeze well? Thanks!
Kate
Hi Elizabeth! Yes, this recipe does freeze well. I hope you love it.
Rae
So amazing!!! My first time making chili! Very easy to follow, dare I say idiot-proof? I did tweak it to my preferences but it was so so so delicious. 10/10 would recommend.
Randall Cobb
Made this yesterday. Our 6 year old who never eats chili asked for it for breakfast today. I’ll never make chili a different way! I did add some worcestershire and a can of beer. Great recipe.
Kate
That’s great! Thank you for sharing, Randall.
Amy Arreola
I made this recipe tonight and used it to make chili dogs with carrot-dogs. I tweaked this to replace one of the cans of black beans with dried lentils and therefore extra veggie broth, as well as a little extra smoked paprika—and the whole family loved it! My 4 y.o. wolfed it down and said that she wants it tomorrow served over a potato for dinner. :-) Thanks for the recipe, it will definitely be replacing the canned chili that I’ve been using since all the other chili recipes I tried where “meh.” Ha!
B
I’ve made this multiple times, and it’s great and very forgiving.
Kidney beans / butter beans can be substituted for pinto but I would keep the black beans – they are yum! I used a mixture of Indian chilli powder / cayenne pepper / paprika but then I do love spice. Also left out the celery and put an extra pepper in.
A little teaspoon of cocoa powder makes it incredibly rich and thickens it really well.
Dakota
I’ve been making this chili on repeat for nearly a year now – we just love it! My mom used to make a pinto beans + vinegar dish when I was little and those flavors come out in this big time, plus a load of veggies. It’s my favorite. Thank you!
Kate
Hi! I’m excited to make this! How could I include meat (beef) into this recipe? Making one batch vegetarian and one batch paleo/meat. Thanks so much!
Kate
Hi Kate, I am a vegetarian so can’t speak to end result, but I believe others have and didn’t mind the results.
Kyle
I hate your blurb. Stick to the recipe. Thanks, Kyle
Kyle
I feel bad. I don’t hate your blurb, just blurbs in general annoy me. Thanks, Kyle
Mindy Terry
This recipe is just divine! Perfect exactly as is. Thank you Kate, for the most tasty chili.
Simone M
Yummy! The lime juice was unexpected but delicious. And the blending technique really gave the chili a nice texture.
Nat
Love this recipe. Have made it several times and have to say that smoked paprika makes a lot of difference. Have tried making it with regular paprika and it just wasn’t right.
DAVE
This is an AWESOME veggie chili recipe. I definitely recommend pulsing 1-2 cups in a vitamix or other blender per the recipe…it adds a great texture to the chili. I love it as is but might add some jalapeño and maybe some corn next time…there will absolutely be a next time! Serving it with some homemade cheese empanadas tonight…SO EXCITED! Thanks for another winner Kate!
Melissa
Ive made this recipe many times…its always a hit. I would like to try cooking it in a crock pot. Have you ever made it in a crock pot.
Matt
Important if you’re European/not American: DO NOT USE 2 TBSP CHILLI POWDER OR YOU’LL REGRET IT!!!
Use 1 tsp and add chilli flakes to taste, turns out US chilli is pretty weak in comparison. This is a lovely recipe though and works well in enchiladas. My favourite family dinner usually consists of this recipe
Heather
I make this chili at least once a month and every time I try it I’m amazed at how good this is! Chili with meat was a staple for my family when I was growing up and I’m so happy to have found a good vegan recipe that doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to flavor!
Sylvia Mashburn
I made your vegetarian chili this afternoon it is so wonderful. I’m taking it to a luncheon tomorrow and I’m so thrilled with how it turned out all the little tips you gave me just made it delightful. You do a beautiful job of presenting your recipes.
Kate
Thank you, Sylvia! I’m delighted to hear you are enjoying them.
Sandy Agostinho
This was incredible! I’m so glad I found it. Thank you for sharing!!
Jan
I tried this recipe. It was awesome. My vegetarian son loved it and my vegetarian friend gave it an A+. Vegetarian chili fr the win. Btw your granola recipe is amazing. Love your book and intend to make lots more using your recipes.
Val
This is delicious! I made it side-be-side with some ground beef chili for the meat-eaters in my family. I much prefer this one!
Susannah Corry
I’m not a vegetarian but tried this recipe as a non meat day – absolutely delicious. So full of flavour and you can temper the heat accordingly. It’s now my go-to recipe. Thank.yoy for sharing
Lexi
I just made this and really loved the flavour of the spices! My chili had a lot of liquid m and resembled a soup more than a chili though. Not sure if this is because I didn’t blend a portion of it (don’t have a blender) or could it be that my can of chopped tomatoes has a lot of juice in it? I cooked it for an hour but it didn’t reduce much.
Kate
Hi Lexi! The blending can impact that and if there was extra liquid. I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Allison
I made this chili over the weekend and I absolutely love the flavors! The taste gets better as the chili sits longer so this is a great meal prep option. I added delicata squash and the flavors go so well together. I will definitely make again.
Shevi
This looks great! I don’t have vegetable broth on hand. Can I use water instead?
Kate
Hi! That may work. You may need to adjust spices if it seems like it is lacking. Let me know what you think!
Tiffany
I have been making this chili for over a year now. It’s delicious and reheats well. I often add some different or extra veggies or switch up a can of black beans for kidney, depending on my mood and pantry. It’s always a winner! The recipes on this site have never failed me! Great job Kate!
Kate
Thank you, Tiffany! I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Rebecca
I love this recipe! I have been making it for my family for a few months now. Delicious every time!! I even now sometimes add a little ground turkey in it and any old veggies I’m trying to get rid of in the fridge. Love it!!!
Kate
That’s great! Thank you for reviewing, Rebecca.
Mary Doyle
Would I be able to cook the veggies themselves and just add the beans and veggies to a slow cooker so that it simmers for hours?
Kate
Hi Mary! I haven’t done this in a slow cooker. You could try it, but I don’t have specifics for you. Sorry!
David Croft
The recipe was lovely.followed your tip about using a stick blender.so delicious on a wet cold autumn day in the uk.
Kimmie
This is incredible!!! I added 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice and also added a jalapeño at the beginning. Absolutely delicious!!!! I will be making this as my go-to chili now! Thank you!!
CdnKing
I had some left over bits and bob’s in the fridge and didn’t want to go to waste so I thought I’d give this a try. I’m not a huge chilli fan but OMG! This was SO good- I will definitely make it again. Perfect texture, flavour and level of spice. Thank you so much
Jane
Had fresh organic red runner beans to use and subbed them in for one portion of the beans and included black and pinto beans. Fabulous chilli recipe, full of veg and just the right flavour profile with the spices and herbs. Great for investment cooking as will freeze. Would recommend and certainly do again. Also did this oil free. Also great for those wanting to watch sodium intake. Great for a plant based whole food diet and I expect it would satisfy carnivores too! Thanks for the great recipe!
Bree in Munich
Sooo easy. Sooo delicious!
Katherine MacNeill
Had been craving chilli and eggs for breakfast (crack a couple of eggs in a pan of chili and bake it with come sprinkled feta, top with chopped avocado and lime crema, soooo good). This veggie chilli did just the trick! It is fulllll of healthy vegetables, protein-packed legumes and, in my opinion, a very good blend of spices. I followed everything to the letter except I added a dash of cinnamon because for some reason I enjoy a bit of cinnamon in my chilli. I’d also recommend tasting for salt before the blender step, I added an extra tsp to my double recipe and that’s more to my taste.
The recipe says it makes 4-6 servings. These are nice, big servings. I doubled the recipe and got 11 servings, each at 2 cups.
Gena
This was REALLY good. I didn’t miss the meat at all, which really surprised me. I hate having to blend my soups to thicken them (anything to avoid doing more dishes…ugh), so I left out the vegetable broth. Instead, I added a couple teaspoons of veggie Better than Bouillon and no additional liquid. That gave it that more complex flavor of the broth while maintaining a thick chili consistency. Super recipe. Thank you!
Kate
You’re welcome, Gena!
Louise Can
Made this yesterday. Only had pinto beans and added 1/4 of a Kent pumpkin to give it sweetness and chucked in a couple of tablespoons of dehydrated caramelised onions that I made over winter. I really liked the combination of the spices used, which gave it a lovely flavour. My chill is are often heavily cumin flavoured if you know what I mean. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you. Louise.
Sara-Jane
I’ve already made this chili 4 times this season and I likely will again. It is hands down the best vegetarian chili I’ve ever had. I’m not a huge fan of chili, mainly because it is one flavor over and over again. It’s the exact opposite for this chili. The flavors are unbelievable and dynamic and it’s belly-warming and…I’m obsessed. I’ve made it for family members and I’ve chosen to make it the night before because it somehow reheats even better than the initial cook. I LOVE this recipe.
Kate
I’m glad you love it, Sara! Thank you for your review.
Suzanne
I think this is by far the best CHILLI I have ever had.. I think its the smokey paprika that makes it so good but the whole thing in general is amazing. I love it and my non-vegetarian hubby loves it too… Thank you. Also, just realising now as this is my second time using this recipe that you have a ‘scaling’ option.. What a great idea!
Kate
I’m glad you love it, Suzanne! I appreciate your review.
Carol Love
This is my go-to chili recipe. Today I had to use up veggies in my frig so I put in zucchini and maitake mushrooms. I also put in a long green pepper because I didn’t have any red peppers on hand. its delicious!
Christina
This is the best chili recipe (meaty or meatless) I’ve ever tried. Blending some of it at the end makes this dish incredible. I added extra smoked paprika, garlic, cumin, and I added a bit of garlic powder too. I went with fresh lime juice as my acid, for reference. My husband was apprehensive about a meatless chili, but we loved it so much that we made it twice in one weekend!
Sc B. McKinney
Of all the vegetarian chili recipes I have tried over the years, this is truly the very best!!!!! I topped mine with cut onions, extra sharp cheddar cheese and a spoonful of sour cream.
Tiffany
Can you cook this on low in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours?
Kate
Hi Tiffany, I haven’t tried it, but I believe others have. I still recommend the first few steps of cooking your vegetables to get it just right.
Cadie
SO incredibly good! I made this for a dinner to accommodate one vegetarian guest. It was so delicious, even the meat lovers in the group were satisfied and asked for seconds. The amount of chili in the recipe is good if you have people who don’t like spicy food, but I doubled the amount of chili powder for my batch, and added a couple of tablespoons of red chili flakes. It was super tasty around a fire pit in the back yard.
Lisa
So delicious!! Blending the 1 1/2 cups of cooked chili at the end and adding it back in is genius! The texture was perfect. Definitely will be in my regular dinner rotation this fall and winter. Thank you!
Laura G.
Thanks for such a delicious recipe! I followed it as written and added lime juice at the end. Loved it! Even my carnivore hubby liked it.
Sandra
Excellent chili recipe! I think it is the smoked paprika that makes the difference. I also used a can of fire-roasted tomatoes by accident. The chili was a big hit for dinner and leftovers last week. I am making more tonight. Thanks!
Patty
I made this for a football Sunday get together and it was a total hit with everyone which included meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans! The tip to zip a portion of the chili in the Vitamix was really clever. I see this chili being made regularly in my family for many years to come. Thanks!
Kate
Thank you! This one is a great one for this season. Thank you for taking the time to review, Patty!
Melissa Zeph
The emulsifying at the end made such a big difference. My vegan son asked me 3 times if I added meat. My husband thought I must have put in some sort of crumbles. Great recipe. I just ordered your cookbook.
Kate
Yes, I think it does too! I love that it was such a hit. I appreciate your review, Melissa!
hayley from new york
Used this recipe as a guide with what I already had in the kitchen.
Sauteed (white) onions and garlic, added cumin, smoked pap, chili powder and cinnamon!(?)
Added crushed tomatoes, veg stock, 2 cans of black beans and 1 garbanzo + carrot + sweet potato.
So simple, so delicious, wowed my boyfriend knowing I missed half the ingredients haha.
Susan
Kate, I just found you in a vegetarian chili search and made this awesome chili!! Your recipe, directions, and spice measurements were spot on. I doubled the batch, cut back on paprika and chili powder as recommended and dinner was a hit!! Leftovers will be served Halloween night. Thank you! Eager to try another recipe.
Michelle
Can I throw this all in a slow cooker as well? If yes, how long will I cook it?
Kate
Hi! I like this best stovetop. I highly recommend still cooking your vegetables as the recipe states to get maximum flavor. I do know several have made it in the crockpot and enjoyed it. I would suggest looking at their suggestions for cooking time.
Bev Peterson
This is now my go-to chili recipe. Great flavor! Love the textures, and you really can’t tell that it is meatless!
Kelley
This was really tasty. I did have to adjust the seasonings a bit to my taste – but that’s normal for most chili recipes. The tips to blend a bit of the soup and add an acid (I added vinegar to the pot and a squeeze of lime to my individual bowl) at the end made it better than other veggie chili recipes that I’ve tried. Thank you!
Katherine MacNeill
I already reviewed this recipe after my first time making it but i just wanted to come back to say – I’m making this now for my second time and I have literally been eating the last batch for a week and a half now and am not sick of it! I froze it in portions and I’ve been eating it many different ways. It’s so filling and healthy and delicious. Definitely my go-to veggie chilli recipe now.
I am not vegetarian, I just try to keep my meat intake low and I enjoy vegetarian meals very much. I may someday try to add ground beef to this version.
Leslie a Vincent
Hi Kate, this looks delicious. I am making it tonight but only have one can of the black beans instead of two. I was thinking of making up the difference with red lentils. Would you suggest cooking them first and then just adding them when I add the other beans? Thanks.
Kate
Hi! If you use red lentils I would cook them first. Be mindful since they aren’t quite as dense and don’t hold their shape as well as other lentils. Let me know what you think!
Steve Michaels
Awesome recipe. Made it as directed but did not blend it at the end and still came out with a great chili texture. The mix with black beans and pinto beans was nice and the smoked paprika added a slight smoky flavor. Will make this all winter.
Sarah
If from the UK try 2 teaspoons chilli powder rather than 2tbsp!!
Kate
Yes, that is why I added a note since the spice level can vary by location.
Stephanie
Delicious chili. I made this last night. I did not blend any of it because I was afraid it would taste like baby food. Even with all whole beans this chili is wonderful- very flavorful and satisfying. Thank you for another winner!
Chris Hayes
How much is 1 serve? I cup?
Great recipe – its my go to!
Thanks
Kate
Hi! A serving is roughly 1.5-2 cups.
M & family
simply delightfully filling, tasty and hearty. thank you!
will be making it again and again
Kate
Wonderful to hear! Thank you for your review.
Pam Martinez
I have made your chili several times, I freeze it in quart bags so I can give them to my daughters and grand daughters! They all love it with some homemade cornbread
Rakhi Jethwa
Hi Kate,
Can you freeze this recipe?
Rakhi
Kate
Hi! This one does freeze well. I hope you love it.
Trina Stewart
I’ve made this today for me and my daughter who is vegan. Absolutely delicious, will definitely be keeping this recipe!
Tracey Hughes
This recipe was fab tastes delicious. I roasted a butternut squash with salt and cracked black pepper and chilli flakes, chopped it up and added right at the end Didn’t need to blitz just reduced.
I was looking for a vegetarian chilli recipe as I have just been diagnosed with IBD …….my husband loved it to thank you
Maya
Firstly, thank you so so so much for creating and sharing this recipe! I tried this tonight and it was just amazing only problem I can’t stop eating! You’re supremely talented Kate! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kate
Thank you, Maya!
Elizabeth
This is my new go to chili recipe! I’m not a vegetarian, but I actually like this better than a meat based chili.
Kate
Hooray! I’m happy to hear you loved it, Elizabeth.
Meg
This was delicious! Thank you for the great recipe
Em
This has been my go-to chili recipe for a while now, and is perfect whenever I have friends over (I have several who are vegetarian and non-dairy). Also love making a huge batch and freezing half for later. And really easy to modify! I’ve made it with corn, different kinds of beans, different spice levels, etc. Looking forward to making it again soon!
Paige Preece
Wow this was absolutely delicious! My husband ate 3 bowls and said it was the best chili he’d ever eaten! I accidentally added 2 cans of Rotel instead of the regular diced tomato and we loved the spicy kick! My 3 year old and 6 year old gobbled it all up as well!
Kate
I love that, Paige! Thank you for your review.
Tammy Hanno
Awesome recipe! I omitted peppers, but added summer squash, zucchini, & mushrooms. Used diced tomatoes w/green chili’s & it’s the best chili I’ve ever had :)
Thanks for the recipe. Don’t have Instagram to post this, but you’re welcome to. Thanks! Tammy H.
Tammy
Just wondering if this chili is freezable?Made a big pot :)
Thanks
Kate
Yes! This one freezes well.
Michael Corona
This came out really good. I added some corn.
Kate
Thank you for your review, Michael!