A hearty bowl of vegetarian chili, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Quick soups

hearty vegetarian chili

By Bartholomew

Published: 03 Apr 2025

This hearty vegetarian chili is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a cozy night in, or even a potluck. I developed this recipe after trying countless others, and honestly, I’m still tweaking it. The best recipes are always evolving, right? I love making it on a Sunday afternoon because I get to enjoy it for several days. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
Close-up of a steaming bowl of vegetarian chili, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese.
What's great about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, and you can substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don't have corn? No problem. Don't have black beans? Use kidney beans instead! One time, I even accidentally added a whole bunch of extra cumin...whoops. It was still tasty, though.
A wide shot of a pot of vegetarian chili simmering on a stovetop.

Required Equipments

  • Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Can Opener

Hearty-Vegetarian-Chili

This satisfying vegetarian chili is bursting with flavor, packed with vegetables, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weeknight meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, gather your ingredients. Make sure your veggies are chopped and your spices are ready to go. This makes the cooking process so much smoother. Trust me on this one!
  2. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don't let them brown too much.
  3. Now, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds so much flavor to the chili. Don't skip it!
  4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for a minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. This really wakes up their flavor and adds depth!
  5. Next, pour in your diced tomatoes (with their juices!), vegetable broth, and black beans. Give everything a good stir. This is where the magic begins, folks.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes. I often let mine go for an hour, especially if I'm making a big batch to last a few days.
  7. After 30 minutes (or an hour!), add the corn and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. More chili powder? A pinch more salt? Totally up to you!
  8. Finally, before serving, taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. It's all about your preference, so don't be afraid to experiment. I often add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a bit of brightness. And if you like a bit of heat, a dash more cayenne pepper will do the trick.
  9. Serve your chili hot. Garnish as desired! A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, some shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro are all great options. And for a truly special touch, why not add some crushed tortilla chips? Your tastebuds will thank you!

📝 Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper!
  • For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
  • Leftovers make a great lunch the next day!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 15g

Fat: 5g

Carbohydrates: 55g

Fiber: 15g

Calcium: 80 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

"The joy of cooking is to create something delicious from simple ingredients. This chili is proof of that!"

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