How to Make the World’s Best Vegetarian Chili

You can’t go wrong with a big pot of chili.  If it’s cold outside and you’re in need of some big taste and subtle warmth to get you through the day, this recipe for vegetarian chili will keep you healthy and provide a great meal option that your family and friends will love.

You can get great chili at many Mexican restaurants, but it’s better and cheaper to make it at home.  This is great when it’s served hot with a big hunk of crusty bread.

To make this vegetarian chili, you will need:

Olive oil

Salt and black pepper

Half a large onion (diced)

Dried bay leaves

Quarter tsp cumin

2 tsp dried parsley

2 stalks celery (sliced thinly)

1 large carrot (sliced thinly)

1 red bell pepper (diced)

1 clove garlic (crushed)

1 medium can of green chili peppers (drained and diced)

1 medium can diced tomatoes

1 heaped tablespoon of chile powder

Half a can of kidney beans (drained and washed)

Half a can of garbanzo beans (drained and washed)

Half a can of black beans (drained and washed)

Frozen sweetcorn

Frozen peas

Yes, that’s a whole lot of ingredients, but this recipe is worth it.  Trust us.

Steps:

To begin, warm a saucepan to medium heat, and add a healthy dash of olive oil.  Saute the onion, celery, and carrots with all the spices (1 bay leaf and a sprinkling of cumin, salt and oregano).  Saute for five to six minutes.

Add the chili peppers, the garlic and the green bell peppers to the pan.  When these are heated (1 minute), add the canned tomatoes and any other vegetables you wish.  Season with salt and pepper. 

Next, pour in all of your beans, making sure you have thoroughly washed and drained them (never consume the salt-water the beans come canned in).

Turn up the heat so that the mixture boils, stirring well, then turn down the heat to low and cover with a lid.  Cook for 45 minutes.

When done, stir in the frozen corn and peas – no need to precook the vegetables, they will cook in the mixture.  Cook for a further five minutes to heat the peas and corn, then remove from the heat and serve.