VEGETARIAN CHILLI

Vegetarian Chilli recipe

This wholesome vegetarian chilli is a satisfying comfort food and very similar to the meat version of this chilli con carne. Healthy, hearty and rich with smoky paprika, incorporating those classic spicy and sweet flavours. The robust tomato sauce is packed full of healthy celery, leeks, carrots and red peppers along with filling black beans and creamy pinto beans. This veggie chilli is also a great vehicle for using up leftover vegetables from the fridge, you can pack as much in as you like!

What’s in this post

• What is vegetarian chilli?
• What ingredients do I need?
• Serving suggestions
• Storage suggestions
• Reheating suggestions
• Allergens
• How this works on Slimming World
• FAQ’s
• Recipe

What is vegetarian chilli?

We all know about the classic chilli con carne, a spicy stew made with beef, beans, vegetables and chilli in a tomato sauce, which for many of us is a favourite go-to family meal. This vegetarian chilli con carne (also known as veggie chilli) is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavours and comfort-food feel of classic chilli con carne, but without adding any meat.

I always pack in plenty of vegetables and beans into my chilli anyway, so this way I just use extra beans (different varieties) and ramp up the amount vegetables and I find that this is just as satisfying as the meat alternative- the cooking time for this recipe really gives it time to achieve great depth of flavour.

What ingredients do you need to make Vegetarian chilli con carne

Onion: Onions bring a natural sweetness and depth of flavour. They’re low in calories and contain dietary fibre that aids digestion, helping you feel full and satisfied.

Celery: Celery adds a subtle earthy flavour. It’s extremely low in calories and provides vitamins and minerals.

Leek: Leeks contribute a mild onion-like flavour which really helps add depth to this type of dish. They contain fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Garlic: Garlic adds a delicious aromatic quality to your chilli. It’s known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, all while adding very few calories.

Carrots: Carrots bring natural sweetness, vibrant colour, and are usually great value so perfect for bulking out your chilli. They are low in calories and high in fibre.

Red Peppers: Red peppers not only provide a burst of colour but are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They add a sweetness which works so well with the other flavours in this chilli.

Chopped Tomatoes: Tomatoes form the base of the chilli and are natually low in calories. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and lycopene, which can promote heart health and may also assist with weight loss. Tinned chopped tomatoes are a good value way to bulk up a dish, and also a really handy storecupboard ingredient.

Black Beans (Turtle Beans): Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre. They are very filling and can help control cravings, making them a brilliant choice for anyone who is trying to lose weight.

Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are another protein and fibre hero! They keep you feeling satisfied which can aid in managing weight by preventing overeating.

Tomato Puree: Tomato puree enhances the tomato flavour without adding many calories. It is a great way to keep the chilli rich and saucy.

Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce adds umami and depth of flavour without contributing many calories. It’s an ideal way to intensify taste.

Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar brings acidity and brightness to your veggie chilli. It’s low in calories and may offer some health benefits, like aiding digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels

What to serve with vegetarian chilli?

Rice: Serve your chilli cooked white or brown rice. Rice helps balance the spiciness and makes this a filling meal.

Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad with diced tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and coriander makes a refreshing side dish.

Coleslaw: Coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing (my favourite is a very simple lime dressing) gives a cool and crunchy contrast to the chilli.

Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes are a filling option. Top them with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt and chives for added flavour.

Guacamole: Homemade guacamole is a creamy and delicious accompaniment. It’s perfect to go alongside your chilli, and as a treat I also like to serve a handful of tortilla chips for scooping everything up! You could also try my version of this, brocamole, using broccoli

Sliced Jalapeños: If you enjoy extra heat, top your chilli with sliced jalapenos. The flavours go so well together. If you have kept the chilli mild so that you can serve it up to someone who isn’t keen on too much spice, this is a great way to add that extra kick to your portion!

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing makes a great accompaniment.

Grilled or roasted vegetables: Seasonal grilled or roasted vegetables like courgette, peppers, and asparagus make a healthy side dish.

Fruit Salsa:  A fruity salsa made with diced mango, pineapple, red onion, and coriander can be a sweet and zesty accompaniment.

How to store Vegetarian chilli:

Fridge – Put the leftover vegetarian chilli into a reusable, clean airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

Freezer – This Vegetarian chilli is a great freezer meal! Place any leftovers into an airtight freezer-safe container or alternatively in a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. I always put a date on the container/bag when it goes into the freezer so I know how long it’s been in there.

If you have a large portion left you can freeze this into individual portions ready for later.

How to reheat Vegetarian chilli?

You can reheat vegetarian chilli easily, and I actually think it tastes even better when it’s reheated! Here’s the best way to do it:

Stovetop – Place the vegetarian chilli into a saucepan that easily fits the portion size and heat on a medium heat. Give it a stir as it heats through to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce is too thick then just add a little water, a small amount at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Microwave – Place the vegetarian chilli into a microwave safe dish and cover with a lid or some clingfilm. Heat through for 2-3 minutes depending on the portion size and your microwave power. For larger potions you will need to adjust the cooking time. Give the chilli a stir halfway through to make sure that it’s heating through evenly. Be careful of the steam as this is incredibly hot. If it needs further cooking continue in 30 second intervals. Make sure the chilli is heated all the way through before serving.

Does this vegetarian chilli recipe have any allergens?

Yes this vegetarian chilli recipe does have ingredients that might cause allergies Soy sauce – This contains both soy and wheat. You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari.

DISCLAIMER: This information is given as a guide and is by no way definitive. It’s still really important you check all the ingredients you are planning on using to make sure that they don’t contain allergens if this is something that affects you.

How does vegetarian chilli work on Slimming World?

This vegetarian chilli is an absolutely fantastic syn free meal if you are following Slimming World. It’s packed full of healthy vegetables (speed foods) and filling beans, so it’s the perfect bowl of comfort food to enjoy when you want to enjoy a completely syn free meal. 

Please be aware that some of the suggested side dishes do contain syns. Here is how the following sides work if you are following Slimming World:

Rice: If you are cooking your rice from dried then it is syn free. If you are using a microwave packet of rice then it does have syns, usually 1 to 2 per packet, although it depends on which brand.

Avocado Salad:  Avocados are high in syns, but bear in mind that this is a very healthy way to use up your syns because avocados are highly nutritious! They are full of healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering lots of potential health benefits. 25g of fresh avocado is 2.5 syns. A large avocado (approximately 195g without the stone) is 18.5 syns. A small avocado (approx. 100g without the stone) is 9.5 syns.

Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a great syn free side as long as you make your own dressing (you can find some healthy dressing ideas in The Slimming Foodie (my first cookbook), p.210 and in The Slimming Foodie in Minutes, my 3^rd cookbook, p.198.

Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes (or jacket potatoes) are syn free, as long as you don’t add additional toppings such as butter. If you are buying a frozen pre-baked one then make sure you check the syns using the Slimming World app.

Guacamole: I make my own guacamole as it’s much nicer than a bought one. If you are buyig a pre-made guacamole it is usually around 1.5 syns per tablespoon, but you will need to check the specific brand. 25g of fresh avocado is 2.5 syns. A large avocado (approximately 195g without the stone) is 18.5 syns. A small avocado (approx. 100g without the stone) is 9.5 syns.

Sliced Jalapeños: These are syn free, such good news because these are such a fabulous ingredient for adding great flavour and spice!

Mixed Greens Salad: Syn free if you do not add dressing.

Grilled or roasted vegetables: Syn free if you have made these using low calorie cooking spray. If you have used spray oil or another type of oil you will need to account for these syns. 1 tablespoon of olive oil contains 6 syns.

Fruit Salsa:  Syn free