Chili Verde Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Flavorful Delight

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and perfectly suited for a vegetarian lifestyle, look no further than this chili verde recipe vegetarian. This hearty stew features tender vegetables simmered in a tangy tomatillo and green chile sauce, delivering a delightful blend of zesty, slightly spicy, and savory notes.

Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or simply seeking a delicious meatless meal, this chili verde offers a nutritious and satisfying option that can easily become a staple in your recipe rotation.

With its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, chili verde typically includes pork or chicken, but this vegetarian twist swaps in wholesome veggies and beans to create a rich, protein-packed dish. Ideal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this recipe is approachable, customizable, and sure to please even the most dedicated carnivores.

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this fresh take on a classic and how to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian chili verde is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining the bright acidity of tomatillos with the mild heat of green chiles. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like white beans, zucchini, and bell peppers, making it both filling and wholesome.

Unlike traditional chili verde that relies heavily on meat, this version is lighter yet still deeply satisfying. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly (just skip the cheese or sour cream toppings), and perfect for meal prep since it tastes even better the next day.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — serve it over rice, with warm tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos or enchiladas. This recipe also makes a great introduction to using tomatillos and fresh green chiles if you haven’t cooked with them before.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 2-3 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, vegan sour cream, shredded cheese

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan or Dutch oven
• Blender or food processor
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Roast the poblano peppers: Place the poblanos directly on a gas flame or under a broiler, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and blistered. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop roughly.
2. Cook the tomatillos: Bring a pot of water to boil and add the tomatillos. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor.
3. Make the green sauce: To the tomatillos, add half of the roasted poblanos, half the garlic, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and remaining garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Add vegetables: Stir in diced zucchini and green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until just tender.
6. Combine sauce and simmer: Pour the tomatillo-green chile sauce into the pan with sautéed vegetables. Add vegetable broth and remaining roasted poblanos. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
7. Add beans and cook: Stir in drained white beans. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and garnish: Ladle chili verde into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and optional toppings like avocado or vegan sour cream.

Tips & Variations

Experiment with your favorite vegetables! Sweet corn, diced carrots, or even diced potatoes can add interesting textures and flavors.

Make it spicier: Add a jalapeño or serrano pepper to the blender for extra heat. Remember to remove seeds for milder spice.

Use canned tomatillo salsa verde: If fresh tomatillos are hard to find, substitute with 1½ cups of canned salsa verde for convenience.

Protein boost: For added protein, stir in cooked quinoa or chopped tofu cubes before serving.

If you love experimenting with Mexican-inspired vegetarian dishes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for more inspiration!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chili verde is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a simple, wholesome meal.

Alternatively, use it as a filling for warm corn or flour tortillas to create tasty tacos, topped with fresh cilantro and diced onions.

For extra comfort, serve alongside warm corn bread or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up every last bit. If you want a lighter option, try it over a fresh green salad or steamed quinoa.

Don’t forget to pair it with creamy avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream (vegan options work great too).

For more creative vegetarian ideas, visit our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe page to add a tangy kick to your meals.

Conclusion

This vegetarian chili verde recipe is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen without any meat. Its bright tomatillo sauce, tender vegetables, and hearty beans offer a perfect balance of texture and taste that will satisfy your hunger and delight your palate.

Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Plus, it’s flexible enough to accommodate your personal preferences and dietary needs.

Give this chili verde a try, and you might just find a new favorite go-to comfort food. For more wholesome recipes, check out our Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or our Pecan Crackers Recipe to round out your meal!

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