Name: Vegetarian Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion chopped; 1 red bell pepper diced; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 tsp chili powder optional; 1 tsp ground cumin optional; 1 (14-oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 (14-oz) can kidney beans drained and rinsed; 1 (14-oz) can pinto beans drained and rinsed; 1 cup water or vegetable broth; 3 chipotle peppers in adobo diced; use less if sensitive to heat; 3 tbsp adobo sauce; 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen; 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste; black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice plus wedges for serving; avocado, cilantro, yogurt optional toppings

01

Overview

Prep10 min

Cook35 min

Total45 min

Servings5

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 small yellow onionchopped1 red bell pepperdiced2 garlic clovesminced1 tsp chili powderoptional1 tsp ground cuminoptional1 (14-oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes1 (14-oz) can kidney beansdrained and rinsed1 (14-oz) can pinto beansdrained and rinsed1 cup water or vegetable broth3 chipotle peppers in adobodiced; use less if sensitive to heat3 tbsp adobo sauce1 cup corn kernelsfresh or frozen1/2 tsp sea saltplus more to taste black pepperto taste1 tbsp fresh lime juiceplus wedges for serving avocado, cilantro, yogurtoptional toppings

03

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Can opener
Ladle

04

Method

01

Saute the veggies

Warm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion with a pinch of salt until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add red pepper and cook until soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, and cumin for 30 seconds until fragrant.

02

Simmer the chili

Add tomatoes, both beans, water or broth, chipotles, adobo sauce, corn, salt, and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer about 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick and stewy.

03

Finish and top

Stir in lime juice and taste for salt. Ladle into bowls and crown with avocado, cilantro, yogurt, or whatever makes the table smile.

✦

Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

✦

Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

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Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

Vegetarian Chili

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment