Make a Delicious Cozy Vegetarian Chili in Just 45 Min

Okay, picture this: it’s a blustery evening, the kind where the wind howls and you just wanna curl up under a blanket. What’s the *perfect* food for a night like that? For me, it’s gotta be a big bowl of chili! And not just any chili, but my Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings. Seriously, this stuff is liquid gold.

It’s so easy to throw together, seriously. But the flavor? Wow! It’s packed with veggies, beans, and a whole lotta love. I’ve been making this recipe for years, ever since I was a broke college student trying to eat something besides ramen. Trust me, it’s a keeper. Plus, it’s vegetarian (duh!), so everyone can enjoy it. So grab your comfiest sweater, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed with this chili. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy to Make

I’m talkin’ weeknight dinner kinda easy! You can have a pot of this bubbling away in under an hour. No fancy techniques, I promise!

Hearty and Flavorful

This ain’t no wimpy chili! It’s got a rich, satisfying flavor that’ll warm you from the inside out. The texture is just perfect – chunky, but not *too* chunky, ya know?

Perfect for a Chilly Evening

Duh! It’s in the name! But really, there’s nothing better than a bowl of warm chili on a cold night. It’s like a hug in a bowl!

Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with fiber and protein from all those beans and veggies. You can feel good about eating this, trust me!

Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, this chili is for you! Everyone can dig in!

Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings: The Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This chili is super flexible, but here’s what I usually throw in. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* – chili is very forgiving!

Base Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white, whatever you have!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. I’m a garlic fiend, so sometimes I add more!
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Adds a nice sweetness.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped. For a little bit of that “green” pepper flavor, ya know?
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional!). If you like it HOT, leave some seeds in! Careful, it splatters when you cut jalapenos!

Canned Goods

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes. Trust me, crushed is the way to go for the best texture.
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained. Gotta rinse ’em! No one likes bean juice.
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Same deal with the rinsing!
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained. Adds a little sweetness and pop.

Broth and Seasoning

• 1 cup vegetable broth. Low sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the salt.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder. This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your taste.
• 1 teaspoon cumin. Adds that warm, earthy flavor that’s just so chili-esque.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Ooh, this adds a *smoky* depth that’s just amazing.

Optional Toppings

Okay, this is where you can get creative! My favorite part is adding toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, whatever you like!)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a little tang!)
• Diced avocado (for creaminess!)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (adds a fresh, bright flavor!)

How to Prepare Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, are you ready to make some magic? This chili is SO easy, I promise you can’t mess it up! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be snuggled up with a bowl of deliciousness in no time.

Sauté the Vegetables

First, grab your biggest pot – you’ll want plenty of room. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is nice and shimmering, toss in your chopped onion. Cook it until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. You don’t want it to brown too much, just get nice and tender.

Next, add your minced garlic, bell peppers (both colors!), and that jalapeno (if you’re using it). Cook for another 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly softened. Your kitchen should be smelling AMAZING right about now!

Add Remaining Ingredients

Alright, time to dump in the rest! Stir in that can of crushed tomatoes, followed by the kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Then, pour in the vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to make sure all those flavors are mingling together.

Don’t worry if it looks a little watery at this point – it’ll thicken up as it simmers!

Simmer the Chili

Now, bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Seriously, the longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld together. I usually let mine go for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Be patient – it’s worth it!

Season and Serve

Once the chili has simmered to your liking, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy! You might need a little more chili powder, too. It’s all about what *you* like! Serve it up hot, topped with all your favorite goodies. Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro – the sky’s the limit! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings

Want to take your chili game to the *next level*? Here are a few super simple tips to make this the best darn vegetarian chili you’ve ever had!

Adjust the Spice Level

Okay, so some like it hot, and some… not so much! If you’re a spice fiend, don’t be afraid to add more chili powder or leave some seeds in that jalapeno. For a milder chili, use a *tiny* pinch of cayenne pepper instead of the jalapeno. Easy peasy!

Thicken the Chili

Is your chili a little too soupy? No problem! Just mash about half a cup of the kidney beans with a fork before you add them to the pot. This will release some starch and thicken things up beautifully. You can also simmer it uncovered for longer to let some of the liquid evaporate!

Make Ahead and Freeze

This chili is *perfect* for meal prepping! It tastes even better the next day, after all the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can also freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it out overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. So convenient!

Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic chili and you’re loving it, right? But maybe you’re feeling a little adventurous! Here are a few super easy ways to mix things up and add your own personal touch. Because, let’s be honest, cooking should be fun!

Add Different Vegetables

Seriously, this chili is a veggie-lover’s dream! Feel free to toss in whatever you have lurking in your fridge. Diced zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes would all be amazing. Just add them when you add the bell peppers and garlic, and you’re good to go!

Change the Beans

Not a fan of kidney beans or black beans? No problem! Pinto beans or cannellini beans would be delicious substitutes. Or, heck, why not use a mix of all your favorites? Variety is the spice of life, after all!

Spice it up with different peppers

Want to add a smoky kick? Trust me on this one: a tablespoon of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will take your chili to a whole new level! Just be careful – those little guys are HOT! Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can usually find them in the international aisle of your grocery store. So good!

Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings

Okay, so you’ve got a pot of amazing chili… now what? Here are a few of my favorite ways to complete the meal! Because chili is good, but chili *with* something is even better!

Bread Options

Gotta have something to soak up all that deliciousness, right? A hunk of crusty bread is always a winner. Cornbread is another classic choice – especially if it’s a little sweet! And don’t forget tortilla chips for dipping and crunching!

Side Dishes

If you’re feeling fancy, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a nice way to add some freshness. Or, for a little bit of creamy tang, coleslaw is always a good call! I like to add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to mine!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings

Got questions about this Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings? I got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Slow cookers are *amazing* for chili. Just toss everything in, give it a stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Seriously, set it and forget it! It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You might want to add the corn in the last hour so it doesn’t get mushy.

How long does this chili last in the refrigerator?

This chili will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before you pop it in the fridge. And when you reheat it, make sure it’s heated all the way through!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You bet! If you’ve got some gorgeous, ripe tomatoes on hand, go for it! You’ll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, chopped. Just simmer them a little longer to break them down and release their juices. You might also need to add a little extra vegetable broth, since fresh tomatoes aren’t quite as juicy as canned.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

No problem! Water will work in a pinch. But if you have it, chicken broth adds a nice richness (obviously, not if you’re strictly vegetarian!). You could also use a bouillon cube dissolved in water. Just adjust the salt to taste!

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Sure thing! If you’re a meat-lover, feel free to add some ground beef, turkey, or sausage. Brown it in the pot before you add the vegetables, then continue with the recipe as written. I’d recommend about a pound. So easy, right?

Nutritional Information for Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings

Heads up: Nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, treat any numbers as a general guide, okay?

Enjoy Your Cozy Vegetarian Chili for Chilly Evenings!

Alright, dig in and let me know what you think! Rate this recipe or leave a comment – I wanna hear all about your cozy chili adventures!

Print