Zesty Barefoot Contessa’s Vegetarian Chili Recipe: Homestyle Joy

Chili nights just got a delicious upgrade with this Barefoot Contessa vegetarian chili recipe that packs serious flavor into every hearty spoonful.

Ina Garten’s culinary genius shines through in this meatless marvel that turns simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Robust beans, vibrant vegetables, and a perfectly balanced blend of spices create a symphony of tastes that will make you forget all about traditional meat-based chilies.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum satisfaction and nutrition.

The recipe promises a warm, satisfying experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will fall in love with this soulful dish that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly delicious.

Grab your stockpot and get ready to savor every single bite of this incredible chili.

Cooking Guide for Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

• Veggie Base Preparation

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Let these colorful vegetables dance and soften, releasing their natural sweetness until they become tender and translucent.

• Spice Awakening

Sprinkle in garlic and a blend of aromatic spices. Let them sizzle and create a fragrant cloud that fills your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting flavors mingle and develop a rich, comforting personality.

• Texture Transformation

Break down some of the chili to create a luscious, creamy consistency. Use a blender or immersion tool to partially crush the mixture, adding depth and complexity.

• Final Flourish

Stir in fresh cilantro and a splash of vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings, making the chili uniquely yours.

• Serving Celebration

Ladle the chili into bowls and invite friends to personalize with favorite toppings like creamy avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, or tangy cheese.

Adjusting Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili Your Way

• Dial the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Experiment with different chili pepper varieties to create your signature heat level.
• Replace black and pinto beans with kidney beans, cannellini beans, or mixed bean combinations for unique textures and flavor profiles. Try adding a can of corn for additional sweetness and crunch.
• Prepare the chili a day in advance to let flavors meld and intensify. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.
• Incorporate plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meat substitutes for added nutrition and substance. Roast vegetables before adding to enhance their natural sweetness and depth.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

• Garnish with Color and Crunch: Top the chili with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese for a vibrant and textural presentation.
• Serve with Southwestern Sides: Pair the chili with warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or fluffy rice to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create a Creamy Finish: Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to balance the chili's spicy flavors and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
• Build a Chili Bar: Set out various toppings like chopped green onions, jalapeños, and lime wedges, allowing guests to customize their bowls with their favorite garnishes.

Store Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili with Ease

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook a large batch and refrigerate portions for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days, keeping flavors vibrant and fresh.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 3 months for convenient grab-and-go dinners.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables with a heart-healthy touch..
• Onion, Bell Pepper, Carrot, Celery: Creates a flavor-packed vegetable medley that builds depth and complexity in the chili..
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, warm undertone that elevates the entire dish's aromatic profile..

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Crafts a robust and vibrant spice blend that gives the chili its signature southwestern kick..
• Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal essence and enhances the overall taste complexity..
• Vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy finish that balances the rich and hearty flavors..

• Black Beans, Pinto Beans: Delivers a creamy, protein-packed base that makes the chili satisfying and nutritionally complete..
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes a juicy, acidic element that brightens the entire dish..
• Vegetable Broth: Creates a silky, flavorful liquid foundation that ties all ingredients together..

• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, zesty herb note that cuts through the richness..
• Avocado: Brings a creamy, buttery texture and adds visual appeal..
• Tortilla Chips: Provides a crunchy contrast to the soft chili..
• Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche: Adds a cool, tangy finish..

Tools to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Large cooking vessel for simmering and developing rich flavors.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables cleanly and safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate for measuring spices and salt.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Immersion blender or standard blender: Used for creating desired chili texture.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for measuring broth and beans accurately.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty vegetarian chili from Barefoot Contessa delights palates with robust flavors and comforting textures. Beans, vegetables, and spices blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large can (28 oz / 794 g) diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsps smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
• 1 to 2 tsps sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lime juice, to taste
• Sliced avocado (optional)
• Tortilla chips (optional)
• Sour cream or crème fraîche (optional)
• Grated cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium temperature. Combine onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery, seasoning with salt. Cook until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, approximately 8 minutes.
2. Develop Flavor Profile: Introduce garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir continuously for one minute to awaken and intensify spice essences without scorching.
3. Combine and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Blend ingredients thoroughly and allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let chili slowly develop flavors for 30 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent adherence to pot bottom.
4. Texture Enhancement: Remove bay leaf and create a velvety consistency by pureeing a portion of the chili. Use either a blender or immersion blender to partially break down ingredients, reincorporating the smooth mixture into the pot.
5. Final Seasoning and Serving: Incorporate fresh cilantro and a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavor profile. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Transfer to serving bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, and cheddar cheese to personalize the dish.

Notes

• Veggie Prep Matters: Uniformly chop vegetables for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chili.
• Spice Awakening: Toast spices briefly to intensify their flavors and release deep, complex aromatics before adding liquid ingredients.
• Thickening Technique: Partially blending a portion of the chili creates a rich, creamy consistency while maintaining some chunky vegetable texture.
• Flavor Balancing: Adding a splash of vinegar at the end brightens the overall taste and cuts through the richness of the beans and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg