Easy Vegetarian Chili - 21g Protein per Serving

Steps

▶ Tap a timecode to jump to roughly that moment in the video.

1. 1
   Prepare the vegetables: chop the onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces; set aside the bell pepper and garlic.
   ▶ ≈0:09
2. 2
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
   ▶ ≈0:29
3. 3
   Add the carrot and celery to the pot and cook. Then add the bell pepper and sauté until tender.
   ▶ ≈0:51
4. 4
   Stir in the pressed or grated garlic.
   ▶ ≈1:19
5. 5
   Add the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Stir and toast the spices for about 1 minute to release their aroma.
   ▶ ≈1:26
6. 6
   Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (rinse the cans with a little water), then add the black beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth.
   ▶ ≈1:58
7. 7
   Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
   ▶ ≈2:38
8. 8
   Cover with a lid and increase the heat. Once boiling, crack the lid open, reduce to a low simmer, and cook for about 40 minutes until thickened and infused with flavor.
   ▶ ≈2:50
9. 9
   While the chili simmers, cook the brown rice in boiling salted water for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and let steam. Stir the chili occasionally to prevent sticking.
   ▶ ≈3:17
10. 10
    Prepare the corn: boil in lightly salted water for 5 minutes, cool under running water, then cut the kernels off the cob.
    ▶ ≈3:17
11. 11
    After 40 minutes, check the consistency. If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender and pulse a few times.
    ▶ ≈3:55
12. 12
    Scrape the concentrated tomato paste from the edges of the pot and stir it back in—this concentrated area is full of flavor.
    ▶ ≈4:15
13. 13
    Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the residual heat.
    ▶ ≈4:28
14. 14
    Stir in the balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
    ▶ ≈4:39
15. 15
    Serve the chili in a large bowl with brown rice on the side, topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt, corn kernels, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
    ▶ ≈5:00