Sweet, Savory and “Beefy” Chili Vegetarian Recipe
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Easy One-Pot Vegetarian Meal Idea
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week? Try this Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili!
This easy, one-pot vegetarian meal is packed with rich flavors, a hint of sweetness, and all the satisfying textures you love in a traditional chili.
Deliciously Meat-Free – Find Easy and Wholesome Vegetarian Recipe Ideas!
Whether you're a vegetarian, trying to eat less meat, or just looking for a delicious new recipe to try, this chili is sure to hit the spot.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making this tasty dish, share some tips to make it perfect, and offer variations to customize it to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili
Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a wholesome, filling meal that’s also easy to prepare.
This chili has it all: the sweetness of corn and bell peppers, the savory depth of tomatoes and spices, and the “beefy” texture of plant-based crumbles.
It’s a great way to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Plus, it’s made in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation!
Ingredients for Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili
To make this delicious vegetarian chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Plant-Based Ground “Beef”: Look for a good quality plant-based ground that mimics the texture and flavor of beef. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods work well.
- Beans: A mix of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans add texture and protein.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness and color.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential for building a flavorful base.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: These give the chili a rich, savory depth.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: Key spices for that classic chili taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the "beefy" taste.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Just a touch to balance the savory and add a hint of sweetness.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and plant-based ground.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and bell peppers, and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans, and set all the ingredients aside to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
2. Sauté the Vegetables and Plant-Based Ground
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the plant-based ground “beef” and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Peppers and Corn
Add the diced bell peppers and corn to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the peppers start to soften.
4. Season the Chili
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat all the ingredients in the spices. This step is crucial for building the base flavor of the chili.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
7. Adjust the Sweetness
After simmering, taste the chili and add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup if you want a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like avocado slices, shredded vegan cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of vegan sour cream. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili
- Choose the Right Plant-Based Ground: Not all plant-based grounds are created equal. Choose one that has a good texture and flavor, like those from Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods, to get the most "beefy" experience.
- Layer the Flavors: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and plant-based ground first helps build a rich, flavorful base for the chili. Don't rush this step!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier chili, feel free to add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and skip the smoked paprika.
- Balance Sweet and Savory: The touch of brown sugar or maple syrup adds a nice balance to the chili, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bell peppers and corn.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer lets all the flavors meld together and develop. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
- Make It Ahead: This chili is great for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Creative Variations for Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili
- Chili Mac: Stir in some cooked elbow macaroni during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a comforting chili mac.
- Sweet Potato Chili: Add diced sweet potatoes along with the bell peppers for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Three-Bean Chili: Use a mix of your favorite beans like kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas for a diverse texture.
- Pumpkin Chili: Add a cup of pumpkin puree to the chili for a seasonal twist and extra creaminess.
- Chili Stuffed Peppers: Use this chili to stuff bell peppers and bake them for a fun twist on classic chili.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili
Sweet, Savory, and “Beefy” Chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might need to add a splash of vegetable broth if it’s too thick.
To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- With Cornbread: Serve the chili with a side of warm, homemade cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Over Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chili over baked potatoes and top with vegan cheese and chives for a hearty dinner.
- With Tortilla Chips: Use the chili as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun and delicious snack or appetizer.
This vegetarian chili is satisfying, delicious, and easy to customize to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and make this dish your own!
Feel free to share your own tips, variations, or experiences making this chili in the comments below. Let’s keep cooking and sharing delicious, healthy recipes together!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Vegetarian Chili
Source: Andrew Bernard | The Nard Dog Cooks
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