Sweet Pepper Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Sweet Pepper Vegetarian Chili, a hearty and nutritious dish that comes from the kitchen of Eric Zwillinger, renowned for his culinary creativity at the Fedora Cafe in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Adapted from the inspiring book “The Color Code,” this chili is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting meal perfect for any day. It’s important to note that for a vegetarian twist, chicken broth is to be replaced with vegetable broth, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful recipe.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Category | Peppers |
| Servings | Approximately 4-6 servings |
| Description | A delicious and hearty vegetarian chili packed with colorful peppers and nutritious beans. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 423.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 87.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 65.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g |
| Sugars | 9.3 g |
| Protein | 20.7 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Carrot | 1, diced |
| Yellow bell peppers | 2, diced |
| Red bell peppers | 2, diced |
| Zucchini | 2, diced |
| Tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Black beans (canned, drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Red kidney beans (canned, drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| White beans (canned, drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Cayenne (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Base: In a large stockpot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to shimmer slightly, which will indicate it’s ready for the next step.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrot, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté these ingredients together until the onion becomes golden and fragrant, approximately 8 minutes. The vivid colors of the peppers will brighten your kitchen and stimulate your appetite.
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Incorporate the Zucchini: Once the onions are golden, toss in the diced zucchini along with the yellow and red bell peppers. Cook this mixture through, stirring occasionally, for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until the zucchini softens and blends harmoniously with the other vegetables.
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Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes, including their juices, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring that the flavors begin to meld beautifully.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. As it bubbles, this step will intensify the flavors of the chili.
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Add the Beans: Drain the canned beans if using, and add them to the pot. Stir to incorporate all the beans, which will provide a rich texture and protein to your chili.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the chili to simmer gently for 15 minutes. This is the perfect time to let the ingredients marry and develop depth in flavor.
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Season the Chili: After simmering, add the chili powder, cumin, and fresh cilantro to the pot. Stir these spices into the chili, which will infuse it with warmth and complexity.
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Final Simmer: Allow the chili to continue simmering until it thickens, which should take about 8 more minutes. Keep an eye on the consistency, as you want it to be hearty but not too dry.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the chili and add salt and pepper according to your preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve this delectable chili hot, over a bed of fluffy rice, or alongside toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese for those who desire a creamy finish.
This Sweet Pepper Vegetarian Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth to your kitchen and comfort to your table. It is perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or a cozy night in, sure to satisfy vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Enjoy this rich tapestry of flavors and the joy it brings to your culinary repertoire!
