Best Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

by plant.well

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(Last Updated On: August 21, 2023)

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This homemade vegan chili recipe is packed with so much flavor!

It has veggies, three kinds of beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and quinoa.

Quinoa is really the secret ingredient in this recipe, it makes the soup that much heartier and adds even more protein.

This one pot chili recipe is perfect anytime, and it’s on the table in no less than 30 minutes!

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (1)

This vegan chili is one of my most favorite comfort foods to make.

When I’m in need of something quick and fuss-free that’s warming and hearty, this chili is a no-brainer!

A delicious one-pot recipe that simmers all the ingredients and flavors together with minimal effort on my part – perfection!

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (2)

Easy Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

This yummy chili has three types of beans: black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans.

It also has corn, peppers, tomatoes, quinoa and spices like chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika.

These flavors combine perfectly with the onion, garlic and veggie stock base, creating a soup that’s healthy and full of flavor.

Another thing I love about this recipe is that the ingredients are very pantry friendly.

Canned beans, quinoa, veggie stock and spices can be kept in the pantry, and any corn or other veggies of choice can be frozen.

It’s so convenient and the only thing you really need that’s fresh is onion and garlic (if you’re feeling extra lazy, sometimes I even sub these for dried powders so I don’t have to chop anything!).

If you’re looking for a similar recipe, my Vegan Stuffed Peppers are stuffed with many of the same ingredients and baked to perfection!

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How to Make Vegan Chili

Cooking the Base

To start making this yummy soup, start by placing the olive oil, chopped onion, garlic and pepper into a large pot over medium heat.

Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, and that’s your base!

Cooking Vegan Chili

Now add the remaining ingredients all at the same time (except for the corn).

Give it a good stir and cover.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is soft and has cracked open.

Finally add the corn and cook another minute or two to heat through, and it’s done!

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Serving Vegan Chili

This chili is delicious served plain, or you can add toppings like avocado, green onion, dairy-free sour cream, crumbled chips, dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor!

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (6)

Easy and Delicious Vegan Chili Recipe

This easy soup recipe is a staple in my house, and especially during the colder winter months.

There’s nothing more warming and comforting than a fresh bowl of homemade chili!

Also, it’s even better on day two and three after all the flavors have marinated together!

I would eat this up by days four or five though for best taste.

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (7)
Best Vegan Chili Recipe (8)

This recipe is:

  • Homemade
  • Healthy
  • Delicious
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • High Protein
  • Comforting
  • Easy to Make

Check out these other comforting vegan recipes:

Easy Vegan Beef Stew

Vegan Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Vegan African Peanut Soup

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Rosemary Potato Veggie Soup

Butternut Squash and Fennel Soup

Best Vegan Tortilla Soup

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (9)

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Best Vegan Chili Recipe (10)
Best Vegan Chili Recipe (11)

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

The best ever vegan chili recipe packed with flavor, quinoa, beans and corn. Easy to make and perfectly comforting and delicious.

Instructions

  1. Add olive oil, chopped onion, pepper and garlic to a large pot over medium heat. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the corn), bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender (you can tell it's done if you see the seed split apart too). Then add the corn and cook for a minute or two until soft.
  3. Enjoy with toppings of choice!

Notes

*If you like your chili nice and thick, serve as is, otherwise you can add a splash of vegetable stock or water to make it more soupy.

**This chili is even better on day two and three after all the flavors have marinated together! I would eat this up by days four and five though for best taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 390Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 691mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 20gSugar: 12gProtein: 19g

Best Vegan Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the secret to best chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What is a good substitute for beef in chili? ›

Meaty tofu crumbles – They are made easily and quickly in the oven while the rest of the chili comes together on the stovetop. Often I skip the tofu and use Beyond meat crumbles instead. You could also use TVP ground beef or another vegan beef substitute.

What is a good substitute for beans in chili? ›

Adding up to 2 cups of soy is an excellent alternative and great low carb option – Tofu, edamame, whole soybeans or texturized vegetable protein. Replace beans with up to 1 cup cooked grains for a really good substitute – Quinoa, white rice, brown rice, barley or farro.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

How to add richness to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  1. Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  2. Liquid Smoke. ...
  3. Brine or Vinegar. ...
  4. Soy Sauce. ...
  5. Fish Sauce. ...
  6. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  7. Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  8. Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the king of chili? ›

In Northeast India, bhut jolokia is also known as the "king chili" or "king cobra chilli'".

What is a vegan substitute for ground beef? ›

Soy curls are chewy and more firm than tofu and work really well here. Black lentils or TVP are good substitutes if you don't have soy curls. This vegan ground beef also includes mushrooms and either sunflower seeds or walnuts.

What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

Texas Chili - Chuck

Most chili lovers will tell you that this is the ideal cut of meat for stew and chili. Chuck is initially a very tough cut of beef, but when you consider the fact chuck is highly marbled, it turns out this is perfect for the low-and-slow way to cook the perfect Texas chili.

What beans to use 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.

Does Gordon Ramsay put beans in chili? ›

Gordon Ramsay's recipe for chili con carne includes onion, a red chili pepper, fresh tomatoes, and kidney beans. Ramsay's chili recipe is lengthy — it includes everything from ground cumin and sweet paprika to a cinnamon stick, ground beef or beef mince, and garlic.

Why does authentic chili not have beans in it? ›

No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.

Does anyone put corn in chili? ›

Many chili aficionados add a little sweetness to their chili with some brown sugar or even maple syrup to complement the earthy peppers and balance out some of the spice. But adding corn cobs to your chili is the secret to bringing natural sweetness without adding sugar.

What to add to chili for more flavor? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

How do you get the depth of Flavour in chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  1. Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  2. Liquid Smoke. ...
  3. Brine or Vinegar. ...
  4. Soy Sauce. ...
  5. Fish Sauce. ...
  6. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  7. Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  8. Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

How do you darken chili flavor? ›

Drop in some chocolate.

We're all about adding some cocoa to your chili, especially in the early stages of cooking when you're blooming your spices, but I like to drop a few pieces of dark chocolate into the pot too.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

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