Warm up your evenings with this delicious veggie-packed chili! Bursting with savory flavors from black beans, kidney beans, fresh veggies, and spices, this recipe is not only easy to make but also loaded with nutrition. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this chili is sure to satisfy. Click to discover the full recipe and learn how to create a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will love!
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
![For a tasty veggie-packed chili, you need fresh veggies and hearty beans. Here’s what to gather: - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cups vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) These ingredients give the chili a rich and hearty flavor. You can use any color of bell pepper. Red, green, or yellow all add taste and color. The zucchini, carrot, and corn bring sweetness and crunch. For beans, black and kidney beans are perfect here. They add protein and make the chili filling. Want to add a little flair? Use fresh cilantro, sour cream, or cheese on top. These garnishes make the chili look great and taste even better. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent. 3. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 chopped bell pepper. Cook this mix for another 3 minutes. The peppers should soften nicely. 4. Now, add 1 medium diced carrot and 1 medium diced zucchini to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes. This helps the veggies get tender. 1. Once your veggies are ready, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well and let the spices toast for 1-2 minutes. This step boosts the flavor. 2. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup of corn. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth too. Stir everything to combine. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally. This will help the chili thicken. 4. Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your taste. 5. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful veggie-packed chili! - Best techniques for sautéing vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion first. Cook it until soft, about five minutes. Next, add minced garlic and bell pepper. Stir them for three minutes until they soften. This builds flavor in your chili. - Adjusting spice levels to taste: If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. Start with a half teaspoon. You can always add more later. For a milder chili, reduce the cayenne or leave it out. Taste your chili as it cooks. This way, you can find your perfect spice level. - Ways to thicken chili: For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered. This helps steam escape. You can also mash some beans against the pot's side. This adds body without changing the flavor. If you prefer, stir in a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Add it to the chili and stir until thickened. - Ideal pairings: Serve your veggie-packed chili with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping. Tortilla chips also add a nice crunch. Both pair well with the rich flavors of chili. - Creative serving ideas: Garnish your chili for a fun touch. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or yogurt makes it creamy. Shredded cheese on top is also tasty. Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy! Don't forget to check out the [Full Recipe] for all the details. {{image_2}} You can customize your veggie-packed chili by swapping ingredients. For beans, try using chickpeas or pinto beans. They add different flavors and textures. You can also change the vegetables. Sweet potatoes offer a sweet touch, while spinach adds a nutrient boost. Feel free to mix and match. This lets you enjoy a chili that fits your taste. If you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, this chili works well. Use vegetable broth and skip any animal products. Check labels on canned items to ensure they are gluten-free. For those watching carbs, try substituting beans with cauliflower or more veggies. This keeps the flavor while cutting down on carbs. The options are endless, and you can create a chili that suits your needs. For the full recipe, check out the Veggie-Packed Chili section above! To store leftovers of your veggie-packed chili, follow these simple steps: - Refrigeration: Let the chili cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. - Freezing: For long-term storage, transfer the chili to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. If you want to keep the chili fresh, avoid letting it sit at room temperature for too long. This helps prevent bacterial growth. When you are ready to enjoy your leftover chili, reheating it properly is key. Here are some tips: - Stovetop: Pour the chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir often and heat until it’s hot all the way through. This method keeps the flavor and texture best. - Microwave: If you use a microwave, place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, about 1-2 minutes at a time. Stir between heating intervals to ensure even warming. Both methods work well. Choose the one that fits your time and mood! Enjoy your hearty chili again, now just as delicious as before. You can find the full recipe above for all the tasty details! Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Just follow these steps: - Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan first. - Pour all the ingredients into the slow cooker. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method makes the flavors richer and deeper. What’s the best way to freeze chili? Freezing chili is simple. Here’s how: - Let the chili cool down completely. - Use airtight containers or freezer bags. - Label them with the date and type of chili. - Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Can I add more spices or vegetables? If so, how? Absolutely! You can customize your chili to your taste. - For more spice, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. - Try adding more veggies like mushrooms or spinach. - Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for any new ingredients. This way, you create a unique flavor just for you. For the full recipe, check out the Veggie-Packed Chili section above! This blog post provided a clear guide on making Veggie-Packed Chili. We covered main ingredients like beans and veggies, plus preparation and cooking steps. You learned handy tips for sautéing, seasoning, and serving. Variations allow for ingredient swaps and dietary needs. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating to keep flavors fresh. With these insights, you can create a delicious chili that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9ba2c303-3719-4a59-91c5-cf36e6d48030-250x250.webp)