Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delicious batch of vegetarian chilli in the slow cooker, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. The best part? You don’t have to be a master chef to put them together! Here’s what you need:
- Canned Beans (black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas)
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, if preferred)
- Bell Peppers (choose red, yellow, or green)
- Onions (yellow or red)
- Carrots (optional, but they add great texture)
- Vegetable Broth (or water if you don’t have broth)
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
- Chilli Powder (the key spice for that chilli kick)
- Ground Cumin (adds a warm, earthy flavour)
- Salt and Pepper (for seasoning)
- Olive Oil (for sautéing)
You can also customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or sweet potatoes, depending on your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegetarian Chilli
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by chopping your vegetables—onions, bell peppers, and carrots—into small pieces. These vegetables provide essential nutrients and add flavour and texture to your chilli. If you want to add more vegetables like zucchini, chop them into bite-sized pieces as well.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While this step is optional, it enhances the flavour. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step helps bring out the sweetness of the vegetables and adds depth to the chilli’s flavour.
3. Load Up the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker. Add the canned beans (drained and rinsed) and the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together.
4. Season the Chilli:
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. These spices are what give your chilli that classic, mouthwatering flavour. Stir everything to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water). This helps the chilli cook properly, allowing the flavours to meld together. You can add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency or less if you like your chilli on the thicker side.
6. Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the chilli cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high heat for 3-4 hours, but for the best results, slow cooking allows the flavours to develop and the vegetables to tenderize perfectly.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Once your chilli is cooked, please give it a taste. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Want it spicier? Add a little more chilli powder or even some hot sauce. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Tips for Making the Best Vegetarian Chilli
- Experiment with Vegetables: Add or swap out vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or corn to make your chilli even more flavorful and colourful.
- Spice It Up: If you love spicy food, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your chilli an extra kick.
- Top It Off: Once your chilli is done, serve it with your favourite toppings. Some great options include:
- Shredded cheese (vegan or regular)
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
- Avocado slices for creaminess
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side for a crunchy contrast
- Make It Ahead: This chilli is even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work for you, making this recipe a perfect choice for busy days.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein, fibre, and antioxidants, this chilli supports digestive health, boosts energy, and keeps you full longer.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavours to suit your preferences, whether you like it spicier, milder, or packed with extra veggies.
- Great for Meal Prep: Vegetarian chilli makes for excellent leftovers. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long, or even freeze individual portions for later.
Final Thoughts
Making Vegetarian Chili in a Slow Cooker is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal. The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices creates a deliciously rich and satisfying dish, while the slow cooking process ensures that all the flavours meld perfectly together. It’s a great option for family dinners, meal prepping, or even serving at a gathering. Plus, it’s versatile, affordable, and can be made in advance for convenience.
So, whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to enjoy a tasty plant-based meal, give this slow cooker chilli a try. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!
Key Takeaways:
- Ingredients: Beans, vegetables, tomatoes, spices, and vegetable broth.
- Preparation: Sauté vegetables, load into the slow cooker, add beans, tomatoes, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Toppings: Cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips.
- Benefits: Easy to make, nutritious, customizable, great for meal prep and leftovers.
We hope this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your next meal. Enjoy!