Spicy Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Overview:
This Spicy Vegetarian Chili is a hearty dish that stands well on its own but also pairs beautifully with rice or as a filling for tortillas topped with grated cheese. It’s one of those recipes that seems to improve in flavor the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. With a total time of 45 minutes from start to finish, this chili is ideal for a quick and satisfying meal, packed with wholesome ingredients and robust flavors.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Stove Top
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 1 tbsp | Chili powder |
| 2 | Red bell peppers |
| 2 | Carrots |
| 1 cup | Sweetcorn |
| 1 can | Tomatoes with juice |
| 1 can | Red kidney beans |
| 2 | Zucchini |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 281.1
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 341.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 13.7g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 13.5g
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 7 minutes, until softened.
-
Cooking the Chili:
- Stir in minced garlic cloves and chili powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add diced red bell peppers, sliced carrots, sweetcorn, canned tomatoes with their juices, and drained red kidney beans to the pan. Stir well to combine.
-
Simmering:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Adding Zucchini:
- After 15 minutes, uncover the pan and add sliced zucchini. Stir to incorporate. Cover again and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
-
Seasoning and Serving:
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired. It pairs wonderfully with rice or can be enjoyed wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Tips for Success:
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This chili freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing individual portions for quick meals later.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Conclusion:
This Spicy Vegetarian Chili recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also nutritious and packed with flavors that will satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether enjoyed freshly cooked or reheated the next day, its versatility and hearty ingredients make it a favorite for any mealtime. Embrace the Mexican-inspired goodness of this dish and savor the warmth and comfort it brings with every spoonful.
