This hearty and flavorful Vegan Three Bean Chili is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, this chili is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Vegan Three Bean Chili Ingredients
What You’ll Need to Make the Best Vegan Three Bean Chili
This recipe calls for a delightful blend of pantry staples and fresh veggies. Feel free to customize the spice levels to your preference!
- Beans, glorious beans: You’ll need one can each of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, rinsed and drained. This trio provides a beautiful variety of textures and a boost of plant-based protein.
- Flavor base: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Veggie power: 1 red bell pepper, diced, 1 cup frozen corn
- Tomato goodness: 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- Spice blend: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness), 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste!), Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Vegan Three Bean Chili
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the veggies and spices: Add the bell pepper, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant.
- Simmer to perfection: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and 2 cups of water. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a thicker chili.
- Taste and adjust: After 30 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, or pepper to your liking.
Vegan Three Bean Chili Simmering
Pro Tip from Chef Anya Patel: “For a richer, more complex flavor, try sautéing the spices with the onions and garlic for a minute before adding the other vegetables. This helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor potential.”
- Serve it up! Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. This chili is delicious on its own, or you can top it with your favorite toppings, such as:
- Vegan sour cream or cashew cream
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Tortilla chips or cornbread
- A squeeze of lime juice
Tips for the Best Vegan Three Bean Chili
- Make it your own: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add other vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Let it simmer: For a richer, more flavorful chili, let it simmer for at least an hour, or even longer. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
- Leftovers are a good thing: This chili makes great leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Vegan Three Bean Chili Bowl
Vegan Three Bean Chili: Your Questions Answered
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and spices in a skillet on the stovetop. Then, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
What can I substitute for the kidney beans?
Not a fan of kidney beans? You can easily swap them out for another type of bean, such as chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even lentils.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if you have a severe gluten allergy.
How do I store leftover vegan three bean chili?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
What are some other ways to serve vegan three bean chili?
Get creative! This chili is delicious served over rice, quinoa, or baked potatoes. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
This vegan three bean chili recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
For more amazing bean recipes, check out our vegan kidney bean recipes. Looking for some south-of-the-border inspiration? Dive into our collection of flavorful vegan mexican food recipes.
