Ultimate Veggie Chili

Healthy Vegetarian Chili Recipe with Tofu, Beans, and Cashews

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Ultimate Veggie Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. Packed with vegetables, beans, and spices, this chili is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

History

Chili has a long history in American cuisine, with variations dating back to the early 19th century. Originally made with meat, beans, and spices, chili has evolved over the years to include a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables and even tofu.

Ingredients

1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
14 oz (397 g) extra-firm tofu, frozen and thawed, excess water squeezed out [1]
2 (14 oz (397 g) or 415 ml) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (28 oz (794 g) or 830 ml) can crushed tomatoes
1 (4 oz (113 g) or 120 ml) can diced jalapenos, drained
1 (4 oz (113 g) or 120 ml) can green chiles, drained
2 (14 oz (397 g) or 415 ml) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 oz (397 g) or 415 ml) can dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (250 ml) fresh or frozen corn
1 cup (250 ml) whole roasted cashews
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a large stockpot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the olive oil over medium-high heat until the onions start to soften.
Stir in the cumin, chipotle, and red pepper flakes. Crumble the thawed tofu into the mixture and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add all the tomatoes, jalapenos, green chiles, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and cashews. Mix well.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
As it is, this recipe is effortlessly vegan. However, you can also add a little sour cream and grated sharp cheddar if desired. Alternatively, you can use vegan sour cream and/or cheese.

Variations

Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter chili.
Use different types of beans, such as pinto or white beans, for a unique flavor.
Add diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant before adding the spices. This will help to develop the flavors in the chili.

- For a spicier chili, add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of spice.

- Simmering the chili for at least an hour will help to meld the flavors together and create a rich and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, and a side of cornbread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the spices helps to develop the flavors in the chili.

- Simmering the chili for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or tempeh instead of cashews for a different protein source.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this chili in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, and a sprig of fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This chili pairs well with a side of cornbread, a green salad, or a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 10g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 60%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains nuts (cashews)

Summary

This Ultimate Veggie Chili is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

This Ultimate Veggie Chili is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. Packed with vegetables, beans, and spices, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Ultimate Veggie Chili. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Mary was known for her delicious vegetarian dishes, and she had promised to whip up a special meal for us that evening.

As I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the warm and comforting aroma of simmering spices. Mary was standing at the stove, stirring a large pot filled with a colorful array of vegetables and beans. She smiled at me and said, "I'm making my famous Ultimate Veggie Chili. It's packed full of flavor and will warm you up from the inside out."

I watched in awe as Mary expertly chopped, diced, and sautéed the ingredients, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that with effortless precision. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Mary had put her own twist on it over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly unique.

As the chili bubbled away on the stove, Mary shared with me the story behind the recipe. She told me how her grandmother had grown up during the Great Depression, when meat was scarce and people had to get creative with their meals. Her grandmother had learned to make do with whatever ingredients she had on hand, creating hearty and satisfying dishes that stretched to feed the whole family.

Over the years, Mary's grandmother had perfected the recipe for Ultimate Veggie Chili, using a blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a rich and flavorful dish that was both nutritious and delicious. She had passed it down to Mary, who had continued to refine and improve upon it, making it a staple in her own kitchen.

As Mary ladled the steaming chili into bowls and topped it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The aroma was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation. I blew on a spoonful of the hot chili, taking a cautious taste.

The flavors exploded on my tongue – a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy. The vegetables were tender yet still had a satisfying crunch, and the beans added a hearty texture that made the dish incredibly filling. I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.

As I savored each spoonful, Mary and I chatted and laughed, reminiscing about old times and making new memories. The chili warmed me from the inside out, filling me with a sense of comfort and contentment that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was more than just a meal – it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that went into creating it.

As the evening drew to a close and I bid Mary goodbye, I asked her for the recipe for Ultimate Veggie Chili. She wrote it down for me on a stained and tattered piece of paper, the ink smudged from years of use. I tucked it into my purse, vowing to make it for my own family and friends, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation.

And so, the recipe for Ultimate Veggie Chili became a cherished part of my own collection, a reminder of that special day with Mary and the bond we shared over a steaming bowl of homemade goodness. I continue to make it to this day, adding my own twists and variations to suit my tastes and those of my loved ones.

Each time I cook up a pot of Ultimate Veggie Chili, I am transported back to that moment in Mary's kitchen, surrounded by warmth, laughter, and love. It is more than just a recipe – it is a story, a memory, a connection to the past that will live on for generations to come. And for that, I am truly grateful.