Homemade Vegetarian Chili

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on May 1st 2025

✨ Incredibly Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (Chili Sem Carne)

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed meal, this Incredibly Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat!

Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or need a simple, satisfying dish for your next gathering, this plant-based chili has you covered. 🥣

Living abroad gave me the chance to explore so many amazing cuisines, but one dish that truly stuck with me is this Chili Sin Carne/ Chilli Sem Carne (chili without meat).

It’s rich, packed with nutrients, and bursting with mouth-watering flavors — a true favorite in my kitchen!

What You'll Need

• Plant-Based Meat (or Protein of Your Choice) - A great meat alternative that provides texture and protein, making this chili hearty and filling. Feel free to substitute with beans or tofu for variety.
• Chopped Onion - Adds a sweet and savory base to the chili, giving it a flavorful depth when sautéed.
• Garlic (Minced) - Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili.
• Chopped Carrots - Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing out the savory and spicy elements.
• Courgette (Zucchini), Diced - A mild and tender vegetable that soaks up all the spices, contributing to the chili’s texture.
• Red Bell Pepper, Diced - Offers a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a pop of color that makes your chili more vibrant.
• Chopped Tomatoes - Provides a rich, juicy base for the chili and adds acidity to balance out the flavors.
• Tomato Pulp - Gives the chili a thicker, richer consistency and enhances the tomato flavor.
• Cooked Red Beans - A protein-packed addition with a creamy texture that complements the other vegetables.
• Cooked Pinto Beans - Adds a smooth and buttery texture to the chili, enriching it with extra fiber and nutrients.
• Cooked Corn - Brings sweetness and a slight crunch, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Cumin Powder - A warm, earthy spice that gives the chili a signature depth of flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional) - Adds a spicy kick to the chili, adjusting the heat level to your preference.
• Water - Helps to create the chili’s base and brings everything together into a stew-like consistency.
• Oil - Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a bit of richness to the chili.
• Salt - Enhances and elevates all the flavors, making the chili more flavorful and well-seasoned.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Chili 🩷

• Incredibly easy: Perfect for beginners and busy days.
• Packed with veggies: Full of vitamins, fiber, and plant-powered protein.
• Flexible cooking: You can easily make this in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even a pressure cooker for hands-off convenience.
• Award-winning flavors: Bold, rich, and deeply satisfying, even without the meat!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.

How to Cook The Best Vegetarian Chili

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the veggies — carrots, courgette, and red bell pepper — and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the plant-based meat (or your preferred protein) in the pot with the veggies.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato pulp, pinto beans, red beans, corn, salt, cumin, and cayenne.
5. Pour in the water and bring it to boil.
6. Simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot with chopped parsley or cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and fluffy brown rice!

What to Serve With

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

🥩 Main Course: This hearty Vegetarian Chili is filling enough on its own!

🍛 Side Dish: Rice, quinoa, or even cornbread for a Southern twist.

🍰 Dessert: Fresh fruit salad or a vegan chocolate mousse.

Get ready to spice up your Cinco de Mayo with this mouth-watering Vegetarian Chili! 🎉🌶️

It’s bursting with vibrant veggies, hearty beans, and just the right kick of heat — perfect for bringing big fiesta vibes to your table.

Whether you’re building a taco bar, serving up nachos, or just looking for a cozy dish everyone can dig into, this chili fits right in.

Easy to make, fun to top with all your favorites, and guaranteed to be a hit at any celebration!

🌟 Topping Ideas to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Vegetarian Chili is how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings!

Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, crunchy, spicy, or fresh, the right toppings can take your bowl from delicious to unforgettable.

Here are some tasty ideas to try:

• Sliced avocado – Creamy, buttery, and full of healthy fats, avocado is always a win.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a bright and vibrant touch.
• Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime brings everything to life with a zesty kick.
• Dairy-free sour cream or plant-based yogurt – Perfect for cooling things down and adding creaminess.
• Shredded vegan cheese – Melts beautifully over hot chili for that comforting, cheesy vibe.
• Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips – Adds crunch and a bit of saltiness to balance the flavors.
• Chopped green onions – For a mild oniony bite and a pop of color.
• Pickled jalapeños – Bring on the tangy heat!
• Hot sauce – For those who love to spice things up even more.

Feel free to mix and match based on what you love or have on hand.

Let me know what your favorite chili toppings are — I’d love to hear how you serve it up! 🌶️🥑🧄