When the days grow cooler and the craving for a warm, comforting meal kicks in, nothing beats a hearty bowl of chili soup. This best vegetarian chili soup recipe is a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Packed with protein-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, it’s a delicious way to nourish your body and soul. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this chili soup offers a delightful balance of zest and comfort. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Dive into this flavorful journey and discover why this chili soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian chili soup recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s nutrient-dense, featuring a medley of beans, vegetables, and spices that deliver fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
It’s also versatile; you can adjust the spice level or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The soup is easy to make with simple steps and equipment, and it stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
If you love warming soups like our Chorizo Pumpkin Soup Recipe, this chili will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Can opener
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add the garlic, red and green bell peppers, carrots, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, the drained beans, vegetable broth, and corn. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the lime juice and stir well.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Optionally, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra richness.
Tips & Variations
“To deepen the flavor, consider roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the soup, or adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version) for umami.”
For a smokier twist, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. To make it even heartier, toss in some cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. This recipe is also fantastic with sweet potatoes or butternut squash added for natural sweetness.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with beans—navy beans, chickpeas, or lentils can also work beautifully. For a spicy kick, garnish with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Dietary Fiber | 14 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
Sodium | 580 mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 90% DV |
Iron | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian chili soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
For a fun twist, try topping your bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of crispy tortilla chips.
Looking for more delicious soup ideas? Check out our Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for a creamy seafood option or our Crockpot Daniel Fast Recipes for easy slow cooker meals.
Conclusion
This best vegetarian chili soup recipe is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any season. With its rich blend of beans, vegetables, and spices, it offers a comforting bowl of warmth that’s both healthy and delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Its simplicity and flexibility make it easy to customize according to your preferences or pantry contents, ensuring you always have a go-to vegetarian chili recipe ready to go. For more tasty recipes to complement your meals, don’t miss our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe and Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Chili Soup
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili packed with beans and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add black beans and kidney beans; cook for another 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 45 g
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