Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (2024)

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I know we all want spring weather but the reality is it's still pretty darn cold. I just checked the weather and my sister in Boston is getting snow again! So, this easy vegan chili recipe is for all those still in the miserable cold :)

As much as I would like to add another spring-like recipe, I've really been meaning to put this chili recipe up for quite some time. Over a month ago I posted a picture of this chili on my Instagram. People loved it and I felt stupid for not actually taking the time to take proper pictures and posting the recipes.

So, here it is!

My stupidly easy vegan chili!

Don't look at the ingredient list and think, "I can't, too much!" It's really not that many ingredients and you don't have to do anything fancy with them. You seriously just throw them all in a pot and let it cook. Sound too hard? Maybe just look at the pictures then and ask someone else to make it :D

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (3)

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (4)

Please note that in the recipe below it says that the avocado and cilantro are optional. I had to do that for all the avocado haters in the world. There aren't many but I'm looking out for them. However...even if you like avocado just a little bit, be sure to pile the avocado on your vegan chili like there will be no avocados for the next 50 years.

With all that avocado, no one will ever be like, "Hey, Where's my vegan sour cream?". Sure, sometimes I like vegan sour cream on my chili but if I have avocados at home, it's not even debatable which will make it on my chili.

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (5)

PS: This chili is perfect for kids! 100% kid and toddler-approved. Make sure to add some extra cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers to this chili, if kids aren't an issue :)

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (6)

5 from 4 votes

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Easy Vegan Chili

A healthy vegetable loaded, easy vegan chili recipe. Hearty and filling,

CourseGluten free, Vegan

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Makes 14 .5 cups

Author Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 3tablespoonOlive Oil
  • 1largeOnionbrown, diced
  • 4Garlic Clovesminced
  • 1large Zucchinisliced, then quartered
  • 4celery stalkssliced
  • 6medium-sized Tomatoesdiced
  • 3Bell Peppers1 green, 2 yellow,red, or orange
  • 3tablespoonfavorite Chili Powderstorebought or homemade
  • 1tablespoonCumin
  • 2tablespoonPaprika
  • 1teaspoonSmoked Paprika
  • 4 ½cupsTomato Puree900ml
  • 4cupsWater800ml
  • 3cupsBeans of choice - KidneyBlack, Pinto etc. (soaked and cooked, or canned)
  • 2cupsCorn
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1Avocado - optionaldiced
  • handful of fresh Cilantrooptional

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.

  2. Fry onions in oil for 3 - 4 minutes. Add garlic and fry for an additional 1 - 2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant.

  3. Add zucchini, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices to the pot and cook for 10 minutes over low-medium heat.

  4. Stir in tomato puree and water into the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer the chili is allowed to simmer the better.

  5. Add beans and corn and allow chili to simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Serve chili hot with avocado and fresh cilantro.

Recipe Notes

1) This is a very kid-friendly chili recipe. Feel free to add additional spices such as cayenne pepper or add adobe, jalapeno, or habaneros to give this chili some grown-up heat.

Look through some of my other chilis and soups on my site!

  • Cauliflower Kale soup
  • Moroccan Harira Soup
  • Red Lentil Carrot Soup
  • Easy Thai Carrot Soup

More Vegan Soup Recipes

  • Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
  • Creamy Almond Soup

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (15)

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (16)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Farrah says

    Avocado haters!?!? ;_; I probably wouldn't get along with them. (If I could have it my way, I'd have a forest of avocado trees in my future backyard.)

    This chili looks all sorts of delicious! <3

    Reply

  2. Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says

    I want a bowl of this comforting chili right now, Vanessa! I love how this is a "throw everything in the pot" kind of meal aka my favorite kind of dinner!! And those avocados + all that cilantro - you seriously just KNOW my taste buds!! Love this, Vanessa!!

    Reply

  3. Harriet Emily says

    This looks unbelievable, and I love how easy the recipe is! Nothing beats a good vegetable chilli, so I will definitely have to make this for dinner! :)

    Reply

  4. Levan @ MyWifeMakes.com says

    Vanessa! Your blog has been on FIRE lately with awesome recipe after recipe after recipe. You know Amrita and I aren't bullsh*tters so we really mean it when we say your recipes are looking better and better. AMAZING STUFF and so happy for you! This Easy Vegan Chili recipe looks fantastic (and hey, free keyword search +1 in this comment, haha!).

    I've been FULLY vegan the past week or so - finally had the spine to make the full transition, and I must say, it's been great!! With creations like yours and Amrita's, it's all the more easier.

    Thanks for sharing this! And, heck, your photos are awesome as always!

    Levan

    Reply

    • Vanessa says

      Thanks Levan,

      I'm so excited for you that you are taking the plunge into going fully vegan! It can definitely seem tough but I'm sure Amrita is a big help :)

      Reply

  5. Vivian t. says

    I have just recently gone vegetarian and currently thinking about going vegan. I tried this recipe to show myself and others that just because it doesn't have meat or dairy doesn't mean it can't be delicious. Anyways the recipe turned out great. I even added parsley during the last simmer to add flavor. Definitely try adding a handful!

    Reply

    • Vanessa Croessmann says

      Thanks Vivian, I'm so happy you liked it. I love how simple this vegan chili recipe is and it's perfect to change it around and make it your own. I sometimes like adding mushrooms, quinoa and other types of veggies I still have left in the fridge to it.

      I was vegetarian for nearly 10 years before I went vegan. It can seem really intimidating at first but the more you cook and play around with ingredients the easier it gets.

      Reply

  6. Melissa says

    Could u make it in a crock pot?

    Reply

    • Vanessa Croessmann says

      Hi Melissa, I don't see a reason why you couldn't make it in a crock pot :)

      Reply

  7. Wanda says

    I am new to vegan cooking. This Vegan Chili recipe turned out great! I added
    one sweet potato and used fire roasted diced canned tomato instead of fresh tomato.
    Thank you for sharing!
    Aloha from Hawaii

    Reply

  8. Bethany Ruzic says

    This is my go to chili...Im obsessed with it and its so easy to make. I always have tons left over. Thank you for creating it!!! Its seriously delishhhhhhhhh : )

    Reply

    • Vanessa Croessmann says

      Thanks, Bethany! I'm so happy to hear you like it! We make this easy chili a lot too. The leftovers are the best part :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Easy Vegan Chili - Vegan Family Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan chili made of? ›

This Vegan Chili is a moderately-spiced, tomato-y stew loaded with chunks of celery, onion, green bell pepper, and carrot. Spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne pepper add some body to the chili, while kidney beans and pinto beans give a hearty and creamy texture.

How long does homemade vegan chili last in the fridge? ›

How to store and reheat vegetarian chili. In the refrigerator: this plant-based chili will stay good in your fridge for about 1 week. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you'd like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge.

What kind of beans go in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Is Loma Linda chili vegan? ›

Loma Linda Chili is made with pinto beans, packed with sustainable plant-based protein, combined to bring you a zesty and memorable flavor! This 100% meatless and delicious traditional chili alternative is ideal for your next meal or as a statement dish at your next gathering.

What can I substitute for meat in chili? ›

Here are just a few ideas.....
  • An extra can of beans (pinto, kidney, or black)
  • Seitan.
  • Bulgur.
  • Portobella Mushrooms.
  • My Cauliflower Taco Crumbles.
  • Butler Soy Curls.
  • Any of the new burger crumble products in the store.
Jan 15, 2023

How do you thicken vegan chili? ›

You can use polenta, arrowroot powder (a gluten-free vegetable root flour), or masa harina as a thickening agent if you don't have cornmeal. In Latin American cooking, chefs use masa harina—a type of cornflour—to make tamales and tortillas.

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

Does celery go in chili? ›

Combine tomatoes, onion, celery, carrot, tomato paste, steak sauce, bell peppers, wine, and red pepper flakes in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

What is a substitute for bulgur in chili? ›

Because this recipe includes bulgur, it's not gluten-free. If you want to accommodate a broader range of dietary preferences, you can swap the bulgur for quinoa or even some finely chopped sweet potato. You could also swap the beans for other types, like white beans or pinto beans, if you prefer them.

Which onion is best for chili? ›

Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top, or even elevate your chili with a sophisticated caramelized onion topping! Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.

What is chili called without beans? ›

Commercial chili prepared without beans is usually called "chili no beans" in the United States.

What are the healthiest beans for chili? ›

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are commonly used in popular recipes like chili and rice dishes. These slightly sweet, soft beans are loaded with nutrients such as fiber, folate, protein, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

Is Trader Joe's vegetarian chili vegan? ›

I think this may be the third iteration of Trader Joe's vegetarian (really vegan) chili. — at one point, they swapped out the soy for sunflower protein, and now peas are having their day in the sun. So, if you have allergies or sensitivities to peas, proceed with caution.

Is Amy's chili vegan? ›

Our Medium Chili is made from organic red beans and tofu simmered in a thick and flavorful Mexican-style broth. For those who want big chili flavor without the big heat. Gluten free/dairy free/lactose free/tree nut free/vegan/kosher/plant based (Light in Sodium also available).

What chilli sauce is vegan? ›

Many brands, including Cholula, Frank's RedHot, Tabasco, Tapatío, and most Sriracha brands are vegan.

Is plant based chili good for you? ›

High in Nutrients: One of the main benefits of vegan chili is that it is packed with nutrients. Beans, which are a staple ingredient in vegan chili, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Can vegans eat chilli sauce? ›

Yes, all you heat-lovers on a plant-based diet will be happy to hear that hot sauce is generally vegan-friendly.

What is a vegetarian substitute for ground beef in chili? ›

bulgur or quinoa - inexpensive and usually easy to find in the bulk bins at the grocery store, bulgur adds even more of a ground meat texture to vegan chili. Use quinoa for a gluten-free option. spices - the most important ingredients in any chili recipe!

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