Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne

Warm, hearty, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne is a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food. Packed with protein-rich kidney and black beans, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a robust blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, this recipe delivers all the smoky, spiced warmth you crave—without the meat. A secret touch of dark chocolate adds depth and richness, while fresh cilantro finishes it off with a burst of freshness. Ready in just over an hour, this plant-based chili is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping, serving as a satisfying main dish for vegans and vegetarians alike. Pair it with warm cornbread or serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 1 medium, chopped red bell pepper
• 1 medium, chopped green bell pepper
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 2 chopped celery stalks
• 2 400g cans canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 400g can, drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 1 400g can, drained and rinsed black beans
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 30 grams, finely chopped dark chocolate
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the canned chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Uncover and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully incorporated into the chili.

Step 8

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 9

Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or grated cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2937.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1655.6

Total Fat 49.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 2.1mg	0%
Sodium 6894.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 264.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 77.5g	0%
Total Sugars 81.7g
Protein 66.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 986.9mg	0%
Iron 31.0mg	0%
Potassium 6034.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.3%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 59.8%