Craving a hearty, smoky chili that will make your taste buds dance without the meat? Get ready to revolutionize your comfort food game with this mind-blowing Slow Cooker Smoky Vegetarian Chili with Walnuts! Imagine a rich, complex flavor profile that's packed with protein, loaded with nutrients, and so satisfying that even die-hard meat lovers will be begging for seconds. This isn't just another vegetarian recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have your entire family coming back for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 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
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Set aside.
- In a large slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic as the base of the chili.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the toasted walnuts to preserve their crunch and nutty flavor.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to preference.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional toasted walnuts, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Tips
- Pro tips to elevate your Slow Cooker Smoky Vegetarian Chili:
- Toasting the walnuts is crucial – it releases their natural oils and intensifies their nutty flavor. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- For maximum flavor depth, consider blooming your spices by briefly sautéing the chili powder and smoked paprika with the garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Experiment with additional toppings like diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra complexity.
- This chili freezes beautifully – make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
- For added smokiness, consider adding a small amount of chipotle in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke if you want an extra flavor punch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
