Italian Chili ~ Vegan Recipe with VIDEO ~ This Wife Cooks (2024)

FAQs

What to put in chili instead of meat? ›

This Vegan Chili is a moderately-spiced, tomato-y stew loaded with chunks of celery, onion, green bell pepper, and carrot. Spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne pepper add some body to the chili, while kidney beans and pinto beans give a hearty and creamy texture.

Pinto beans are also great! bulgur or quinoa - inexpensive and usually easy to find in the bulk bins at the grocery store, bulgur adds even more of a ground meat texture to vegan chili. Use quinoa for a gluten-free option.

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

The best chili meat is a combination of meats, often a mix of ground chuck, ground sirloin, brisket, diced tri-tip, and/or some bacon or sausage. Do your best to mix smaller pieces with larger pieces to stack textures and make it your own! Happy cooking!

Mushrooms. Mushrooms are one of the most popular vegetables to replace meat due to their savory umami flavor and meaty texture. Portobello mushrooms are large enough to eat just like a burger and sturdy enough to be able to throw on the grill without falling apart.

Pinto beans are some of the most palatable and versatile options in the store. You can grind them up to make refried beans or bean dip, they can be used in place of part of the ground beef for almost all recipes, and canned ones can be instantly opened, drained, rinsed, and added to any dish.

What are the best onions for chili? ›

Yellow Onion

They work well in almost any recipe. They have a pungent flavor when eaten raw but are excellent for infusing onion flavor and aroma with your chosen blend of spices during the cooking process. My favorite variety are Spanish onions.

Chili is the perfect chunky mix of ground beef, bacon, vegetables, and beans with a touch of heat. But don't forget to add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions – it really amps it up!

Tofu or tempeh: cube it small, and you have a high protein substitute for beans in your chili. 1 to 1 ½ cups cubed per can of beans. Lentils: you can have lentils but not beans in your diet? No problem.

To make your own spice blend: Start with a base mixture of salt, pepper, brown sugar, onion, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Other great flavoring agents for beef-alternative dishes are: Vegan Worcestershire sauce – Adds that signature umami flavor.