Vegetarian Mexican Chili for Tacos – A Heartwarming Dish with Horse Gram
This Vegetarian Mexican Chili for Tacos, made from hearty and protein-packed Horse Gram (Kollu/Kulith), is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a healthy and flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional chili. A great addition to your taco nights or as a standalone meal, it’s both diabetic-friendly and bursting with bold spices. This recipe combines wholesome lentils, aromatic herbs, and savory vegetables, creating a comforting bowl of chili that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Horse Gram Dal (Kollu/Kulith), soaked | 1 cup (soaked for 4 hours) |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Celery stalks, finely chopped | 2 stalks |
| Pickled Jalapenos, finely chopped | 2 peppers |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Red Chilli Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Roasted Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Black Pepper Powder | ½ teaspoon (adjustable) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation (chopping, soaking) | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time (including simmering) | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 70 minutes |
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Dinner
Diet: Diabetic-Friendly
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Horse Gram Dal
To begin making your Vegetarian Mexican Chili, start by preparing the horse gram dal (Kollu/Kulith). After soaking the horse gram for at least 4 hours, the next step is to cook it.
- Place the soaked horse gram in a pressure cooker along with 2 cups of water.
- Cover the lid, place the weight on, and cook for 5 to 6 whistles on medium heat. After the initial whistles, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the cooker and check the consistency of the lentils. If there’s any excess water, drain it and set the liquid aside for later use in the chili. This reserved liquid will help adjust the consistency of your chili as it cooks.
Step 2: Preparing the Spice Base
While the lentils are cooking, it’s time to create the flavorful base for your chili.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and pickled jalapenos to the pan. Stir in the red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Combining the Horse Gram with the Spice Mixture
- Once the tomato mixture is cooked, add the cooked horse gram dal to the pan, along with 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid from the lentils.
- Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients well.
- Bring the chili to a brisk boil. Once it starts boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
Step 4: Final Touches
- After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
- Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Vegetarian Mexican Chili for Tacos is now ready to be served! Spoon the chili into bowls and pair it with crispy taco shells or taco wraps. To elevate the flavors, serve the chili alongside a fresh lettuce salad, a dollop of sour cream, and some grated cheddar cheese on top. This makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both a weeknight dinner or a special taco night.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicier: If you like your chili extra spicy, add more pickled jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.
- Use Vegetable Broth: For a more robust flavor, replace the water used to cook the horse gram with vegetable broth.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan, but if you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in some coconut milk or cashew cream before serving.
Why Horse Gram?
Horse Gram, also known as Kollu or Kulith, is a nutrient-dense legume often used in Indian cuisine. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and calcium. Being low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, it’s an excellent choice for diabetic-friendly meals. In this recipe, horse gram provides a hearty, chewy texture and earthy flavor that complements the bold Mexican spices perfectly.
This Vegetarian Mexican Chili for Tacos is a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine with an Indian twist using horse gram. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a vegetarian or diabetic-friendly meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re filling tacos or simply enjoying it as a stew, this chili is sure to impress!
