When the weather turns chilly and you crave something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, nothing hits the spot quite like a rich, comforting bowl of chili. But what if you want all that deliciousness without meat or dairy?
Enter the vegan chili recipe made in an Instant Pot – a perfect blend of wholesome vegetables, beans, and spices that come together quickly with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious flexitarian, or just looking for a nutritious meal to brighten your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers robust taste and satisfying texture in a flash.
Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also intensifies the flavors, making this vegan chili a standout meal for busy cooks and chili lovers alike. Ready to dive into a bowl full of smoky, spicy goodness that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan chili recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and convenient thanks to the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without the wait.
The one-pot method means less cleanup, which is always a win.
Second, it’s loaded with nutritious ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and vegetables, providing a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The complex layering of spices creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile that even meat-eaters will appreciate.
Lastly, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you want it mild or spicy, chunky or smooth, or prefer to add different veggies or beans, you can easily modify it to suit your taste and pantry staples.
Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for sautéing
- Can opener
- Bowl for rinsing beans
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and jalapeño. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the diced onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and jalapeño to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook the spices with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to bloom their flavors.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir everything together to combine.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the chili. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy with your favorite toppings or sides.
Tips & Variations
“For a smoky depth, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke to the chili before cooking.”
You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Swap out the black and kidney beans for pinto or cannellini beans.
For extra veggies, add diced zucchini or mushrooms at the sauté step. If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with a spoon or use less broth.
If you like your chili spicy, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add some cayenne pepper. For a milder version, omit the jalapeño altogether.
This chili also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Looking for more slow cooker comfort meals? Check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 15 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Fiber | 14 g |
Sodium | 540 mg |
Sugar | 8 g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan chili shines on its own, but for a complete meal, consider pairing it with warm cornbread, steamed rice, or tortilla chips for scooping. A dollop of vegan sour cream or guacamole adds a creamy contrast, while sliced green onions or fresh avocado bring freshness.
For a Tex-Mex twist, serve your chili in baked potatoes or over a bed of quinoa. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, set up a chili bar with various toppings like jalapeños, vegan cheese, diced onions, and cilantro so everyone can customize their bowls.
Craving more comfort food? Don’t miss our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to round out your meal plans.
Conclusion
This vegan chili recipe cooked in the Instant Pot is an unbeatable combination of convenience, nutrition, and flavor. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, plant-based meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The balance of spices, beans, and vegetables creates a satisfying dish that warms both the body and soul.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this chili delivers on taste and simplicity. Plus, with endless possibilities for customization, it can become your go-to recipe for any season.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different beans and veggies, or check out other delicious vegan dishes on our site for even more culinary inspiration.
For more delicious plant-based recipes cooked quickly, explore our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore and enjoy your vegan culinary adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chili Recipe Instant Pot
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan chili made quickly in the Instant Pot. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices for a nutritious meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots; sauté 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika; cook 1 minute.
- Add beans, crushed tomatoes, corn, and vegetable broth; stir well.
- Close lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Open lid, stir chili, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 45g
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