Vegetarian Chili, a creamy, moderately spiced Mexican American dish, features fresh veggies, beans, aromatics, cream cheese, and special chili seasoning. Simple to prepare, this homemade chili has a unique flavor profile reminiscent of classic recipes. Enjoy it with avocado, tortilla chips, a cheese blend, coriander, and sour cream, ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the bay leaves, garlic, jalapeno, and onion, and sauté them until the onion becomes soft.
Next, add the red bell pepper and carrots, and sprinkle in a bit of salt. Continue to cook until they become soft.
Now, it's time for the spices. Add the chili powder or paprika, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is fragrant.
Mix in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Make sure everything is well combined.
Pour in the vegetable broth and give it a good stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Now, add the cream cheese. Stir it gently until it completely melts into the chili.
Finally, add a fresh touch with coriander leaves and the juice of half a lime. Give everything a final mix. Your Vegetarian Chili is now ready to be savored!
To Serve
Enjoy Vegetarian Chili topped with avocado, cheese blend, sour cream, tortilla chips, and coriander leaves. It also pairs well with cornbread, baked potatoes, nachos, tacos, Mexican rice, roasted potatoes, and guacamole for a versatile meal experience.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Vegetarian Chili:
Optimal Flavor and Taste: Use vegetable broth as the cooking liquid for your chili. It's key to achieving the best taste and flavor, so it's worth not substituting this ingredient.
Beans and Veggies Selection: Choose from a variety of beans like black, pinto, kidney, and white beans. Pair them with veggies such as carrots, mushrooms, and celery ribs to enrich the flavor and nutrition of your chili.
Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan-friendly chili, simply omit the cream cheese and cheese blends from the recipe.
Thickening the Chili: While cream cheese adds creaminess, consider blending a portion of the beans (about ¼ cup reserved before cooking) for an even creamier texture.
Flavor Enhancements: Introduce additional layers of flavor to your chili by incorporating dark chocolate or sherry.
Adjusting the Heat: Tailor the spiciness to your liking by modifying the amounts of heat-inducing ingredients in the recipe. This ensures the chili meets your preferred heat level.
Topping: Consider using avocado, corn, different types of onions (red, fried, spring), crunchy elements like tortilla chips or Ritz crackers, creamy additions such as sour cream or ranch, a cheese blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, guacamole, and salsa.
Best Beans for Chili: When selecting beans for your chili, opt for pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, or northern white beans. Feel free to use any single type or a combination of these beans, depending on your recipe's requirements.