This healthy vegetarian chili recipe is satisfying and packed with nutrients, yet low in calories. The chili is also vegan and grain-free too! Just because you aren't a big fan of meat doesn't mean you can't enjoy a rich and flavorful bowl of chili. This hearty vegetarian chili recipe is hearty and satisfying. Enjoy!
Best Vegetarian Chili
This Vegetarian Chili recipe is the result of my attempts to create a tasty and satisfying healthy chili, which was both vegan and grain-free. I loved the results, so I'm going to call this recipe a big success.
My secret weapons in this chili recipe were:
- Pumpkin - Pumpkin puree provides richness, along with ample added nutrients. The addition of pumpkin puree in your savory dishes is a great way to help reduce sodium and calories, without sacrificing taste. It is also a terrific way to ensure the moistness of baked goods, without loading them up with fat. Honestly, I'm surprised so many people don't make use of fiber & vitamin A rich pumpkin in their cooking year round. I think we are just sort of programmed to think of it as a food for the fall.
- Vegetables with Texture - I love that the veggies still held some texture and weren't all mushy like in some chilis. I wouldn't be so tempted to add chips to get that texture.
Vegetarian Chili Recipe - Making the Chili
Now to show you how to make this healthy vegetarian chili recipe for your family...
Everything You'll need to make a healthy vegetarian chili.
Sauteing the vegetables for chili.
Heating the spices to release concentrated flavor for the chili.
Simmer the vegetarian chili.
Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 cups sweet onion diced , approx. ¾ of a large Vidalia
- 1 Poblano pepper cut into batons (narrow 1 inch strips)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 zucchini squash diced
- 1 yellow summer squash diced
- 2 tbs chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano dry
- 1 teaspoon cilantro dry
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 15 oz Pumpkin puree
- 15 oz diced tomatoes (with chilis or without)
- 14 oz low-sodium black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tbs chopped pickled jalapeno
- 3 cups vegetable stock chicken or beef is fine if you are not vegetarian
Instructions
- Place dutch oven or stockpot over med-high heat, add oil, once hot add the onion, Poblano and garlic, saute 5 minutes, then add the zucchini and yellow squash and saute another 5 minutes.
- Add the salt and spices, stir for 1 minute, than add the remaining ingredients. Stir. As soon as the pot starts to bubble, reduce to simmer and cover, to simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve hot. Garnish with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro or chives. If you are not vegan, a dollop of rich sour cream makes a nice topping.
Maria Oller says
I'm not vegetarian but it looks soooo good I might pass the meat for once!
Penelope Guzman (NY Blogger) says
Ooh, that sounds wicked good, never thought of it for chili! Yummy!!
Colleen says
this looks really good. Chili is one of my favorites!
Cynthia L says
We love chili and have tried many different recipes. My daughter is a vegetarian so we often have vegetarian chili, but have never added pumpkin. I will give it a try!
Rebekah says
This looks so good! My husband complains when I make veggie chili (use sweet potatoes and some cocoa powder in mine) - but... I know this one I'd love.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
We are big fans of chili in our house, but I Have never tried a veggie chili before. It sounds amazing!
HilLesha says
I have been having a craving for chili lately, and that looks utterly amazing!
Trisha says
This looks like it tasted amazing! I've been wanting to try more vegetarian recipes, I might just have to give this one a shot!
KatyRose says
This looks Amazing!! I am all about vegetarian chili and this might be one of the best recipes I've seen. - Katy
Pam says
We got a bunch of cans of pumpkin for 25 cents recently and weren't sure what to make with them. This would be great!
Sandra says
Wonderful recipe and looks amazing! Pinned.
Shauna says
Thank you. My nephew is coming for the summer and I had no clue what to make him... this would be great
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
Oh my goodness! I love the idea of adding pumpkin. This sounds so delicious.
Amy Desrosierss says
That looks like a delicious batch of chili that my husband would love!
J.Merrill says
Just last week I started calling myself a 'flexitarian' so this is perfect timing for me.
Dawn Lopez says
Oh my, this sounds amazing! I love the idea of using pumpkin in chili... sounds mouthwatering!
lisa jones says
I Can't Wait To Make looks So Yummy!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
Oh I'm dying to know how that tastes with the pumpkin. Sounds yummy!
Lois Alter Mark says
Pumpkin?! What a great idea! Will have to try this because it looks delicious!
Amber K says
I'm a sucker for chili and this sounds right up my alley.
Liz Mays says
You've got some great flavor going on there with this. Delish!
Dawn says
That chili looks so good. I am not a vegetarian, but I would so eat that. Yum!
Danielle says
Mmm! Can't wait to try this - it does sound wicked good!
Debbie Denny says
That is interesting. Never tried vegetaarian chili that but sure looks good.
Jessica Lieb (@bkeepsushonest) says
I love adding canned pumpkin to my chili, it makes it so creamy and smooth.