Vibrant Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Ina Garten’s vegetarian chili sizzles with unexpected culinary magic, transforming humble ingredients into a flavor-packed sensation.

Hearty beans and vibrant vegetables waltz across your palate, creating a symphony of taste that challenges meat-centric assumptions.

Aromatic spices whisper complex stories in every spoonful, infusing warmth and excitement into each bite.

Mediterranean influences shimmer through this reimagined classic, elevating comfort food to an art form.

Nutrient-dense ingredients merge in a delectable dance, promising both satisfaction and nourishment.

Subtle layers of seasoning unfold like a gourmet narrative, telling tales of bold creativity.

Get ready to fall in love with a chili that redefines comfort cooking and leaves traditional recipes in the dust.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili Ingredient Guide

• Onion: Select firm, heavy bulbs with smooth, papery skin and no soft spots.
• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant, glossy peppers without blemishes or wrinkles.
• Carrots: Pick firm, bright orange roots with smooth skin and fresh green tops.
• Cauliflower: Look for compact, white heads with no brown or yellow discoloration.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Dried Oregano: Opt for fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands to enhance flavor complexity.

• Garlic: Select plump, firm cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Chipotle Chile Pepper: Choose peppers with deep, smoky aroma and rich color.
• Tomato Paste: Pick brands with minimal additives and rich, concentrated taste.
• Corn Tortillas: Select fresh, pliable tortillas without cracks.

• Brewed Coffee: Use medium-roast coffee for balanced, subtle depth.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality, pure cocoa without added sugars.
• Pinto Beans: Select canned beans with no added salt or preservatives.

• Cilantro: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.

Cooking Tools for Vegetarian Chili

• Large pot: Spacious cookware for building complex flavors and simmering ingredients.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients safely.
• Sharp knife: Essential tool for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion spices and seasonings.
• Can opener: Needed for opening tomato and bean cans smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid and ingredient quantities.
• Hand (for crushing tomatoes): Natural tool for breaking down whole plum tomatoes.
• Colander: Useful for draining pinto beans before adding to the chili.

Chili Cooking Instructions the Ina Garten Way

• Launch Your Flavor Adventure

Grab your cutting board and knife, and get ready to create a mouthwatering vegetable chili that’ll make your taste buds dance. Gather all your fresh produce and spices for an epic cooking session.

• Ignite the Cooking Magic

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot, letting it warm up until it’s shimmering with potential. The sizzle is your signal that something delicious is about to happen.

• Build a Vegetable Flavor Foundation

Toss in a colorful mix of diced onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Let them mingle and soften, creating a sweet and savory base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Sauté until the vegetables start to caramelize and whisper promises of deliciousness.

• Unleash Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in minced garlic and a bold blend of spices – chili powder, cumin, coriander, and oregano. Stir with passion, coating every vegetable in a cloak of aromatic goodness that’ll make your senses come alive.

• Elevate with Unexpected Twists

Introduce chopped chipotle peppers and a dollop of tomato paste. Tear up corn tortillas and splash in some brewed coffee – these secret ingredients will add depth and complexity that’ll make your chili truly extraordinary.

• Tomato Transformation

Crush whole plum tomatoes by hand, letting their juicy goodness flow into the pot. Watch as the ingredients start to merge into a beautiful, vibrant mixture that promises comfort and excitement.

• Simmer and Develop Depth

Lower the heat and let your chili simmer gently. This is where magic happens – flavors meld, textures develop, and your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticky situations.

• Final Flavor Flourishes

Stir in a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder and drained pinto beans. Chop cauliflower into tiny pieces and add it to the mix, creating a hearty texture that’ll surprise and delight.

• Herbaceous Finale

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top, adding a burst of brightness that lifts the entire dish. Remove from heat and get ready to serve up a bowl of pure comfort and excitement.

Modify the Spice in Vegetarian Chili

Mix up your culinary experience with these delightful tips and twists!

Adjust heat by adding more or less chili powder and chipotle peppers. For mild lovers, reduce spicy ingredients; for heat seekers, include extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Transform this veggie chili by adding plant-based crumbles, tempeh, or your favorite meat substitute. Swap pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans for different textures and flavors.

Elevate your dish with creative garnishes like diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, dairy-free sour cream, fresh lime wedges, or chopped green onions. Each topping adds a unique layer of excitement.

This chili tastes even better the next day! Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze portions for quick future meals, maintaining robust flavors and hearty consistency.

How to Plate Vegetarian Chili with Style

• Serve with Zesty Toppings: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or tangy sour cream to add brightness and creamy texture to your vegetarian chili.
• Pair with Hearty Sides: Warm corn tortillas, fluffy brown rice, or crisp cornbread complement the rich, spicy flavors of this robust vegetable chili perfectly.
• Create Texture Contrast: Top with crunchy tortilla strips, diced avocado, or pickled jalapeños to introduce exciting layers of taste and mouthfeel that elevate the dish's complexity.
• Customize Heat Levels: Offer hot sauce on the side or add extra chili powder for heat lovers, allowing each person to adjust spiciness according to their preference.

Store and Serve Vegetarian Chili Later

• Preserve Flavor Perfectly: Store this chili in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Seal tightly to maintain robust taste and prevent flavor loss.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Flat storage maximizes space and enables quick thawing. Freezer life extends up to 3 months without compromising quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chili slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Stir frequently for even heating.
• Revive Leftover Magic: Refresh day-old chili by adding fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, or topping with diced avocado. These quick additions will reinvigorate flavors and make leftovers feel like a brand new meal.

Hearty Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s vegetarian chili delivers robust flavors through hearty ingredients like beans, peppers, and spices. Delightful comfort in a bowl promises warmth and satisfaction for home cooks seeking a satisfying meatless meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 15-oz (425 g) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 28-oz (794 g) can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
• ½ head cauliflower
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), chopped
• 3 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsps ground coriander
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ to 1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• ½ cup brewed coffee
• 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Finely dice onions, bell peppers, carrots, and mince garlic. Organize spices and components within easy reach.
2. Sautéing Base: Heat a large pot over medium-high flame. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and introduce chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir continuously until vegetables become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Spice Infusion: Add minced garlic and sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly. Incorporate chopped chipotle chile pepper and tomato paste, creating a robust aromatic foundation.
4. Liquid and Texture Enhancement: Tear corn tortillas into small fragments. Pour brewed coffee to deepen flavor profile. Add crushed whole plum tomatoes with their juices.
5. Simmering and Developing Flavors: Reduce heat and allow chili to simmer gently. Stir in unsweetened cocoa powder and drained pinto beans. Dice cauliflower and fold into the mixture.
6. Final Touches: Continue cooking until vegetables reach perfect tenderness, approximately 15-20 minutes. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, creating a vibrant and complex vegetarian chili.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chili.
• Spice Strategy: Toast spices briefly in oil before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Liquid Magic: Coffee and cocoa powder create unexpected depth, transforming this vegetarian chili from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Texture Trick: Torn corn tortillas act as a secret thickening agent, adding richness without extra calories.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg