Spicy Vegetarian Chili

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Total: 2 hr 10 min
  • Prep: 20 min
  • Cook: 1 hr 50 min
Advertisement

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 large bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), chopped

3 medium carrots, finely chopped

Kosher salt

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1/2 to 1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 corn tortillas, torn into pieces

1/2 cup brewed coffee

1 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 head cauliflower

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus torn leaves for topping (optional)

Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, sliced scallions and/ or plain low-fat Greek yogurt, for topping (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, carrots and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, chipotle, tomato paste and tortillas and cook, stirring, until the tomato paste is brick red, about 4 minutes (add a splash of water if the mixture begins to stick). Add the coffee and simmer until almost completely reduced, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, cocoa powder, beans and 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly, about 1 hour, 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, trim the large stems off the cauliflower and coarsely grate the florets on a box grater. About 10 minutes before the chili is done cooking, stir in the grated cauliflower. Cook 10 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt. Add some water if the chili is too thick. Ladle into bowls and add toppings.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Michael A.

I added a little twist. I followed the recipe for the base of the chili, then browned some ground turkey in another pot & added it, It was delicious!!! Sorry my vegetarian friends.

See All Reviews