The rich aroma wafts through the air, pulling you closer to the pot simmering on the stove. No bean chili is a delightful concoction of spices, fresh vegetables, and savory goodness that warms your soul with every spoonful.
Picture yourself curled up on a chilly evening, savoring a bowl of this hearty dish while wrapped in your favorite blanket. It’s the kind of meal that not only fills you up but also lifts your spirits, making it perfect for cozy nights in or lively gatherings with friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This no bean chili is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The combination of spices creates an irresistible flavor explosion that will keep everyone coming back for more
- Its vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing and appetizing
- Perfect for serving at parties or as a comforting weeknight meal, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion
I remember the first time I made no bean chili for my friends. Their surprised faces when they tasted it were priceless, and it quickly became our go-to recipe for potluck dinners.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Olive Oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil adds richness; feel free to use avocado oil for a twist.
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Onion: Use a medium-sized yellow onion; its sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic depth; always opt for whole cloves over pre-minced ones.
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Bell Peppers: Choose any color you like; they add crunch and vibrancy to the chili.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use quality tomatoes for the base; fire-roasted varieties add an excellent smoky flavor.
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Vegetable Broth: A low-sodium option helps control saltiness while enhancing flavor; homemade broth works wonders too!
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Chili Powder: This is key! Opt for a blend that suits your spice tolerance; I love using ancho chilies.
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Cumin: Ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness; don’t skip it—it’s essential!
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Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth; feel free to experiment with sweet or hot versions.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together—use them liberally!
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the entire dish before serving; trust me, it’s a game changer!
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Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro right before serving adds freshness if you’re into that sort of thing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, bell peppers, and mincing your garlic. The more colorful your veggies, the happier your dish will be!
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions first and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Peppers: Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell peppers; let them cook until tender, roughly 3-5 minutes. The smell will be heavenly!
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
Season It Up: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust according to taste—get ready for some serious flavor magic!
Simmer Away: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes so all those fabulous flavors can meld together.
Feel free to dive into this delightful no bean chili recipe anytime you want to impress friends or treat yourself!
You Must Know
- No bean chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold nights
- The rich aroma of spices sizzling on the stove can turn any kitchen into a cozy haven
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends without spending all day cooking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add your spices before introducing the tomatoes and veggies. This order maximizes flavor extraction and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients like bell peppers or zucchini based on what you have. Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for extra zing!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover no bean chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, let your chili simmer longer; this deepens all those wonderful spices
- Don’t skip the taste test—adjust seasoning to find your perfect balance
- Use fresh herbs as garnish for an extra burst of flavor and color!
Cooking no bean chili always brings back memories of my college days when my friends would gather to enjoy our culinary experiments. We laughed, tasted, and made unforgettable memories over bowls filled with this delicious dish.
FAQ
What can I substitute for meat in no bean chili?
Try using textured vegetable protein or mushrooms for a hearty texture without meat.
Can I freeze no bean chili for later?
Absolutely! Freeze it in portions for quick meals on busy days.
How can I make my no bean chili spicier?
Add fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
No Bean Chili
Warm up with this easy and delicious no bean chili, packed with spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this hearty dish delivers a satisfying flavor explosion in every bite. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately six servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers; cook until tender (approximately 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in canned tomatoes and vegetable broth until well combined.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; adjust to taste.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor melding.
- Finish with lime juice; garnish with cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
