Vegetarian Chili

Rating: 4.4 stars
5 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 3
  • 4 star values: 1
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

Packed with vegetables, beans and spices, this zesty, healthy vegetarian chili recipe is loaded with protein from textured vegetable protein, also known as TVP. Feel free to use your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots or mushrooms. Using whole-grain bulgur adds fiber and helps bulk up portion size, making this vegetarian chili hearty and satisfying. After all the ingredients are added to the pot, we like to slowly simmer our chili for close to an hour to develop the best flavor, but if you're in a hurry, reduce the liquid by half and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

EatingWell Test Kitchen
Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2013

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Recipe Summary

total:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
6

Nutrition Profile:

Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add TVP, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the onion starts to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.

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  • Add okra and corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the okra is starting to soften, about 5 minutes.

  • Add bulgur, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, ground chipotle pepper, cayenne and salt and cook, stirring, until aromatic, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  • Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans and black beans, then pour in broth and water; bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced and thickened and the TVP and bulgur are tender, about 50 minutes.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

TVP, or textured vegetable protein, is made from defatted soy flour. Its crumbly, chewy texture and mild flavor make it a perfect meat substitute for vegetarians. Look for TVP with whole grains in natural-foods stores or in the natural-foods aisle of well-stocked supermarkets.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 1/2 cups
Per Serving:
336 calories; protein 18.9g; carbohydrates 48.8g; dietary fiber 17.1g; sugars 7.7g; fat 9g; saturated fat 1.2g; vitamin a iu 2126.4IU; vitamin c 21.2mg; folate 48mcg; calcium 187.6mg; iron 5.1mg; magnesium 153.6mg; potassium 1155.4mg; sodium 747.7mg; thiamin 0.6mg.
Exchanges:

2 starch, 1 1/2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 1/2 fat

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Reviews (1)

Read More Reviews
5 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 3
  • 4 star values: 1
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
EatingWell User
Rating: 5 stars
07/08/2015
okra was edible This was my first time cooking with okra - it was not slimy. Left out TVP and bulgar and swapped in equal amounts of black rice used reduced liquids as it suggested. It was excellent even chewy and chili-colored. Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 3 stars
03/24/2014
Good flavor but odd texture The texture is unsettling and a bit off putting if you expect the chewiness of meat. Also your stomach will react like you just ate beans and a protein bar. That said the taste is good and vegan and vegetarians aren't generally picky. Pros: Chili is easy to make and satiating Cons: Meat eaters will be wierded out by TVP texture Read More
morrisme17@yahoo.com
Rating: 4 stars
08/22/2019
Are you supposed to rehydrate the TVP before measuring 3/4 cup, or do you use 3/4 cup of the dehydrated? I’ve never used TVP before. Read More
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EatingWell User
Rating: 5 stars
08/19/2015
Both delicious and filled with nutrition I like the idea of using TVP to boost the protein content of vegetarian dishes (without adding much carbs). Please add more vegetarian recipes using TVP. Pros: vegetarian dish high in proteins Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 5 stars
10/30/2013
Chili this good on a weeknight? YES! I've never cooked with TVP before this and am so glad I tried it. This chili had so much great flavor and cooked up quickly enough for a warming weeknight meal. I don't normally try to trick the kids but didn't tell them it wasn't ground beef and they didn't notice a difference. We will make this again and again -- I'll tell the kids next time! Pros: great chili flavor quick easy Read More
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