This vegetarian chili is made by slow-cooking a mixture of beans, vegetables, and spices until the flavors meld into a hearty, thick stew. The dish has a chunky texture with a smoky, cumin-infused aroma, and features tender vegetables and well-seasoned beans in a rich tomato base.
2canscanned diced tomatoespreferably fire-roasted for extra flavor
2cansblack beansdrained and rinsed
2canskidney beansdrained and rinsed
1largebell pepperchopped
1mediumoniondiced
3clovesgarlicminced
2tablespoonsolive oilfor sautéing
2teaspoonscuminground
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1/2teaspoonchili powder
to tastesalt and pepper
1cupvegetable broth
Instructions
Chop the bell pepper and onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly during slow cooking.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes, with a slight caramelization on the edges.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release their aromatic oils.
Transfer the sautéed mixture into the slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let the chili cook for 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Once cooking is complete, open the lid and give the chili a good stir. Check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The chili should be thick, hearty, and bubbling slightly.
Serve hot from the slow cooker, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy the thick, smoky texture and rich aroma of this comforting vegetarian chili.
Notes
For extra depth, let the chili sit for 20-30 minutes after cooking to enhance flavors. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.