Name: “Meaty” Vegetarian Chili (No Fake Meat!)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1 red pepper, seeds and stem removed; 1 green pepper, seeds and stem removed; 1 large onion; 4 garlic cloves; 1 large carrot; 1 small head of cauliflower, leaves removed; 8 oz mushrooms; 2 celery stalks, trimmed; 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (19 oz) can white kidney beans, NOT drained; 1 tbsp. chili powder; 1 tsp. cumin; 2 tsp. dried oregano; 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika; Salt and pepper; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 tsp. granulated sugar

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Comfort food is great for any person, no matter what their dietary lifestyle is! This "meaty" vegetarian chili contains no fake meats and relies on your favorite vegetables! #2meals1recipe

"Meaty" Vegetarian Chili in orange white bowl with spoon, vegetable and herbs on blue table

It is crazy how much the weather has changed since I was a kid going to school.

I just do not remember May, June, and September being as hot as they are now!

Of course, being the first week back to school, you don't want to keep the kids home, but at the same time, I just imagine the classrooms being stifling! It is supposed to feel like 40 degrees Celsius today!

"Meaty" Vegetarian Chili in orange white bowl with spoon, vegetable, herbs and glass cup on blue table

And on this crazy hot day, I am talking about chili. "Meaty" vegetarian chili to be exact!

Turkey bacon chilli in white bowl and in green pot with herbs, spoons and vegetable on the table

Yesterday's turkey bacon chili bowl recipe is our meat version of this #2meals1recipe project. The recipes do differ slightly, but I like that both vegetarians and meat-eaters can enjoy chili together! Of course, my husband and daughter have no issues eating a meat-free chili and that makes my job easier 😉

"Meaty" Vegetarian Chili in white orange bowl with spoon, vegetable and herbs in the background

One of the big issues I find being vegetarian is that people assume you want fake meats. Not the case!

I do enjoy vegan bologna and ham, but tend to fry them in butter (I am weird: grew up with fried bologna!) But otherwise, fake meats just creep me out! The biggest reason I do not eat meat is because of the texture. It has always been an issue for me dating back to my childhood. My meat consumption was minimal and I guess if my parents did not have three kids, they would have been more accommodating (don't blame my mom for not wanting to cook 3 different meals!)

"Meaty" Vegetarian Chili in white orange bowl with spoon, vegetable, herbs, and glass cup on blue table

So that is why I am sharing my secret to a "meaty" vegetarian chili that has no fake meat in it! I have actually never made a chili with fake meat, but I have made it with tofu. Delicious, but vegetables sure make a difference!

The big secret? Using your food processor to puree the vegetables to a chunky texture, without making them mushy!

"Meaty" Vegetarian Chili (No Fake Meat!) in bowls with spoon and vegetable around

I seriously love my food processor and use it all the time to make chunky spaghetti sauces and chili! Similar to the blend and extend method (finely chopping mushrooms to blend in with ground meats) you are in a way "hiding" your veggies, all the while creating a "meaty" appearance. It is fun and flavorful! And kind of makes me fit in with my family 😉

And nothing beats smothering this vegetarian chili with a bunch of grated cheese!! The more, the merrier!

📖 Recipe

“Meaty” Vegetarian Chili (No Fake Meat!)

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This "meaty" vegetarian chili contains no fake meats, and is actually vegan (if you can hold off on the cheese!)

Ingredients

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 red pepper, seeds and stem removed
1 green pepper, seeds and stem removed
1 large onion
4 garlic cloves
1 large carrot
1 small head of cauliflower, leaves removed
8 oz mushrooms
2 celery stalks, trimmed
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (19 oz) can white kidney beans, NOT drained
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. Hungarian paprika
Salt and pepper
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tsp. granulated sugar

Instructions

Working in batches, add red pepper, green pepper, onion, garlic, carrot, cauliflower, mushrooms, and celery to your food processor and process until very fine, but NOT mush!
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add in olive oil. Once shimmering, add processed veggies. Cook for 7-10 minutes (veggies should release their liquids so only a small amount of oil is needed.)
Stir in the seasonings, making sure to add salt and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes. Add in tomatoes, and beans. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Cook for another 10-30 minutes, or until concentrated to your liking.
Serve with fresh oregano if desired (I like to smother my chili with cheese!)

Notes

To make this recipe in the slow cooker, cook your processed veggies in the frying pan and transfer to a slow cooker with all other ingredients. Cook on low heat for about 8 hours.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 231Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 258mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 13gSugar: 16gProtein: 11g