Vegetarian Black Bean Chili (2024)

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Ingredients Instructions Notes FAQs

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili (1)

Vegetarian black bean chili is a hearty and warming vegetarian meal.

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili (2)

Yes, you should always add molasses in chili! Our vegetarian black bean chili is hearty, filling, and proof that sweetness with heat is delicious. You’ll see that the tangy sweetness of molasses in chili pairs beautifully with tomatoes. It softens their tart acidity and adds flavour with just the right substance.

This recipe is vegetarian but works with ground beef or ground turkey as well. Just add a bit more broth or even another can of tomatoes if you find yours too thick. As well, feel free to mix up the beans. Kidney beans or a blend of beans makes for a great variation.

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili (3)

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There is nothing better on a cold winter day than a warm chili. A big bowl of vegetarian black bean chili is hearty and warming and does more than just fill the belly.

  • Author: Crosby’s Molasses
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45minutes
  • Category: Savoury dishes

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 2 onions, diced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 tsp cumin seeds (or 2 tsp ground cumin)
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • Cayenne pepper to taste
  • 4 tsp oregano
  • 1 28 oz can or 24 oz bottle of tomatoes (prepared tomato sauce will do)
  • 1 cup broth or water
  • 4 cups cooked black beans (about 2 cans)
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 Tbsp cider vinegar
  • 12 Tbsp Crosby’s Fancy Molasses (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice and zest of 1/2 a lime

Instructions

  1. In a big pot over medium heat saute the onions in oil until soft.
  2. Add the garlic, spices, oregano, and bay leaf and stir for a minute then add the carrots.
  3. Cover for 10 minutes, stirring a few times. (Add some of the broth if it seems too dry).
  4. Add corn, tomatoes, beans, broth, and chipotle (if using) and let simmer, uncovered for about 20 minutes.
  5. Stir in the vinegar and molasses. Thin with more broth if it’s too thick for your liking.
  6. Season with salt and decide if it needs more heat (cayenne) or sweet (molasses)
  7. Add the lime zest and juice and cilantro.

Notes

Chili is adaptable so feel free to add any kind of beans or vegetables. Cubed sweet potato or squash are delicious too.

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili (2024)

FAQs

Can I use black beans instead of kidney beans in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Does Hormel chili vegetarian with beans have meat in it? ›

The tiny "meat" chunks are textured protein! Not meat.

Is Amy's organic black bean chili vegan? ›

Gluten free/dairy free/lactose free/tree nut free/vegan/kosher/plant based (Light in Sodium also available).

Is Trader Joe's vegetarian chili vegan? ›

I think this may be the third iteration of Trader Joe's vegetarian (really vegan) chili. — at one point, they swapped out the soy for sunflower protein, and now peas are having their day in the sun. So, if you have allergies or sensitivities to peas, proceed with caution.

Do black beans taste different than kidney beans? ›

Enjoy a wide variety of beans, making selections for each dishbased on color, texture and flavor. Black beans are earthy andflavorful, kidney beans are mild and absorb flavor from seasonings,and garbanzo beans add a nutty taste.

Should you rinse kidney beans when making chili? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish. Open your cans of beans using a can opener. There may be sharp edges from opening the can.

Are canned black beans vegetarian? ›

Black beans play an important role in vegetarian diets due to their high content of plant-based protein ( 11 ). In fact, they're one of the few plant-based food sources of the essential amino acid lysine, which is more common in animal-based foods ( 11 ).

Why is vegetarian chili good for you? ›

Go Wild With Vegetables

"By adding extra veggies you'll increase nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction," the twins say. "Bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, crushed tomatoes, onions, and carrots are all great choices."

Is Wolf brand chili vegetarian? ›

This thick canned chili made from beef, pork and/or turkey is a quick, easy comfort food for hearty winter meals. Choose a can with or without beans.

Are Trader Joe's black beans vegan? ›

Favorite Vegan Trader Joe's Products – #18

Trader Joe's has a huge selection of canned beans, including refried beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, and many more. I like all of them.

Are Chili's black beans vegan? ›

Ask for a side of the House BBQ Sauce (which is vegan) for dipping. On the Tex-Mex side, the corn and flour tortillas, Mexican rice, black beans, grilled avocado, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo are vegan as well. You could easily build your own tacos from that hearty spread.

Are black beans considered a vegetarian option? ›

Are your beans vegetarian? Yes! In fact both of our beans – black beans and refried beans – are certified vegan(2) by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA).

Does Hormel make vegetarian chili? ›

This wholesome and richly flavorful chili is made with vegetable protein and is dairy, egg, and gluten free with no artificial flavors. Make HORMEL® Plant Based Chili with Beans the highlight of your next plant-based dish; chili dogs, chili stuffed sweet potatoes, or a chili grilled cheese.

Is Wendy's chili vegetarian? ›

NOT Vegan at Wendy's Restaurant

All contain eggs and dairy. Chili – Contains meat.

Does Chick Fil A have vegan meat options? ›

Chick-fil-A offers a few options for those times you need to feed a bunch of hungry vegans at once. Does Chick-fil-A offer vegan chicken? No, there is no vegan chicken. But since other fast-food chains have introduced plant-based substitutes for chicken, we might see this at Chick-fil-A before long.

What are the healthiest beans for chili? ›

Kidney beans are, in my opinion, the best for vegetarian chili. Raw beans, however, contain high amounts of phytohemagglutinin, meaning that if you purchase dried kidney beans, you must pre-soak and boil them before consumption. Canned beans, however, are pre-cooked and are perfectly fine to eat.

What is a good substitute for beans in chili? ›

Replacing up to 2 cups chopped vegetables is a great choice and one of the best substitutes – Cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, bell pepper, white or portobello mushrooms, sweet peas or split peas, carrots, zucchini or butternut squash.

Is Chilli meant to have kidney beans? ›

While chili can be made with any kind of bean, kidney beans have emerged as the favorite. The comparison can (and has) been made that chili without beans is really just a meat sauce, like a spicier Italian-style sauce you would serve over spaghetti.

What is a low carb substitute for kidney beans in chili? ›

Ground meat: adding extra meat to a chili recipe is an excellent low-carb bean substitute for chili. You'll want to add ½ lb of ground beef, turkey, or chicken per can of beans. Chopped veggies: cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and butternut squash are terrific too!

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