Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering, soul-warming vegetarian chili that requires almost zero effort? This slow cooker masterpiece is about to become your new favorite meal - packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and so easy that even kitchen novices can't mess it up! Imagine coming home to a rich, aromatic chili that's been simmering all day, filling your kitchen with irresistible Mexican-inspired scents that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping the bell pepper, onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Open and drain the black beans and kidney beans, then rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium.
- Place the chopped onions and bell peppers into the slow cooker base, creating an initial vegetable layer.
- Add the minced garlic, drained black beans, and kidney beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, ensuring all contents are added.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the ingredients for even seasoning.
- Carefully pour the vegetable broth over all ingredients, ensuring everything is mostly covered.
- Stir all ingredients gently to combine and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, stir chili and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed.
- Let chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or vegan sour cream.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, sauté your onions and bell peppers briefly before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Use fresh spices if possible - they'll provide a more vibrant and robust flavor profile compared to older spice jars.
- Don't skip rinsing the beans, as this helps remove excess sodium and prevents a too-salty final dish.
- If you want a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- For added depth, consider adding a small amount of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee to enhance the chili's complexity.
- Let the chili rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop a more harmonious taste.
- Experiment with toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of vegan sour cream to customize your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
