Description
This Best Spicy Vegan Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with mixed beans, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, this vegan chili delivers a satisfying warmth with a spicy kick. Garnished with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro, it’s a nutritious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 medium Carrots (diced)
- 1 medium Zucchini (diced)
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups Mixed Beans (cooked)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth (low-sodium)
For Serving
- 1 Avocado (sliced)
- 1 cup Cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering, preparing for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, and carrots: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced carrots. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add zucchini and spices: Mix in the diced zucchini along with ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the spices become fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine beans, tomatoes, and broth: Stir in the cooked mixed beans, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the chili: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your chili and add salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the spicy vegan chili into bowls and top with fresh avocado slices and chopped cilantro to add creaminess and freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Using low-sodium vegetable broth helps control the salt content and improve healthiness.
- For added texture, consider topping with vegan sour cream or shredded vegan cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use any combination of beans you prefer or have on hand, such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans.
