Are you tired of bland vegetarian meals that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Prepare to be amazed by this High Protein Vegetarian Chili that's not just a meal, but a flavor explosion packed with nutrients! This Mexican-inspired dish is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, hearty, and protein-rich meal that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you full for hours. Whether you're a committed vegetarian, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves incredible food, this chili recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This includes the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the chili powder and cumin, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 1 minute. This will enhance their flavors.
- Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans to the pot. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the cooking time, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the high protein vegetarian chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as chopped cilantro, avocado, or shredded cheese, if desired. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Bean Brilliance: Always drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
- Spice Mastery: Toast your spices (chili powder and cumin) before adding other ingredients to unlock their deepest, most robust flavors.
- Texture Trick: For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes or mash some beans against the pot's side.
- Flavor Boosting: Consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or corn to increase nutritional value and variety.
- Garnish Generously: Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
