When life gets crazy, I crave comfort food. I want something warm, yummy, and satisfying as if it will bring calm to my day. And this vegetarian chili does the trick. This is a simple recipe that delivers big in the chili category. It has a bold taste and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Not a vegetarian? You could easily add carne asada, ground beef, turkey, or chicken and this would also be delicious. Enjoy!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
½ teaspoon salt, divided
5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
2 tablespoons chili powder*
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons smoked paprika*
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their juices
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth (can substitute chicken broth if not vegetarian)
1 bay leaf
Instructions
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika and oregano. Cook while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained beans (all), vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, and reducing the heat as necessary. Let simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove the chili from the stove and remove the bay leaf. For the best texture, transfer 1 1/2 cup of the mixture (make sure to get some of the liquid). Place it in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture back into the pot. Alternatively, you can mix briefly with an immersion blender. This makes for a thicker texture.
Add some cilantro and the garnishes of your choice (cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime, crumbled tortilla chips).