Easy Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Ina Garten’s vegetarian chili represents a comforting culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece.

Hearty legumes and robust vegetables dance together, creating a complex flavor profile that defies traditional expectations.

Fragrant spices weave through each bite, generating depth and excitement without relying on meat.

Mediterranean-inspired nuances elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary preparation methods.

Carefully selected components blend seamlessly, offering nutritional richness and remarkable taste sensations.

Each carefully crafted spoonful promises a delightful journey through balanced textures and harmonious seasonings.

Warm companions like crusty bread or tangy sour cream complement this vibrant meal perfectly: prepare to be amazed.

Crucial Ingredients for Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili

• Onion: Foundational aromatic vegetable that builds deep flavor base for chili.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable adding sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Carrots: Provides subtle sweetness and contributes to vegetable complexity.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that adds depth to the chili.
• Cauliflower: Hearty vegetable offering substantial texture and nutritional boost.

• Pinto Beans: Protein-rich ingredient that provides creamy texture and filling substance.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Dried Oregano: Warm spice blend creating authentic chili flavor profile.
• Chipotle Chile Pepper: Adds smoky heat and complex chile flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Secret ingredient that deepens flavor complexity.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides fresh finishing note.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing vegetables.
• Corn Tortillas: Adds subtle corn flavor and helps thicken chili.
• Brewed Coffee: Unexpected ingredient that enhances overall depth.
• Whole Plum Tomatoes: Primary liquid and acidic component for chili base.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches sauce.

Simple Guide to Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Spices
• Cooking tools
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Step 2: Sizzle the Base

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers and becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Create Vegetable Foundation

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Carrots

Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and start to caramelize.

Step 4: Awaken the Spices

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Dried oregano

Stir thoroughly to coat vegetables with aromatic spices.

Step 5: Layer Complex Flavors

• Chopped chipotle chile pepper
• Tomato paste

Mix well to distribute intense flavors.

Step 6: Unexpected Flavor Boosters

• 2 torn corn tortillas
• Brewed coffee

Stir to blend unique ingredients.

Step 7: Tomato Transformation

Crush 28-ounce can of whole plum tomatoes by hand. Pour entire contents into pot, including juices.

Step 8: Gentle Simmer

Reduce heat and let chili simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Rich Texture Builders

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cans drained pinto beans

Stir completely to integrate.

Step 10: Final Vegetable Touch

Chop 1/2 head cauliflower into small pieces. Add to pot and cook 10-15 minutes until tender.

Step 11: Fresh Finish

Stir in fresh chopped cilantro. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Pointers for a Flavorful Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili

• Lock in Richness: Refrigerate overnight to allow spices and ingredients to intensify flavors completely.
• Enhance Protein Content: Sprinkle quinoa or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives for extra nutritional value.
• Create Textural Contrast: Layer toppings like crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and tangy yogurt to add exciting dimensions.
• Amplify Umami Profile: Incorporate brewed coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder for unexpected depth and complexity.
• Personalize Spice Levels: Experiment with different chili powders and peppers to match individual heat preferences.

Preserving Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by transferring cooled chili into vacuum-sealed bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Press out excess air carefully before sealing to maximize preservation quality.
• Glass Container Method: Store chili in high-quality glass containers with airtight lids, allowing easy visibility and preventing odor transfer in the refrigerator. Transparent containers help track portions and prevent food waste while keeping ingredients pristine.
• Portion Freezing Technique: Divide chili into individual serving sizes using freezer-safe silicone molds or small containers before freezing. This strategy enables quick defrosting, reduces waste, and provides convenient meal prep options for busy weeknights.

Ways to Adapt Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili

• Smoky Southwest Spin: Replace pinto beans with black beans and add diced green chiles for an extra southwestern kick. Garnish with smoked paprika and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Mediterranean Fusion Chili: Swap out chili powder for za'atar spice blend and incorporate roasted eggplant instead of cauliflower. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves.
• Hearty Root Vegetable Version: Include diced sweet potatoes and parsnips alongside carrots for increased depth and earthiness. Enhance with a splash of red wine and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Protein-Packed Green Chili: Mix in quinoa during the simmering stage and substitute pinto beans with white kidney beans. Add chopped green bell peppers and finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra umami flavor.

Concluding Note on Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili

Culinary journeys often reveal surprising flavor combinations, and Ina Garten’s vegetarian chili exemplifies this delightful truth.

Her recipe transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that sparks conversation and warms souls.

Complex spices dance with unexpected elements like coffee and cocoa, creating a symphonic blend of robust flavors.

Mediterranean influences merge seamlessly with hearty southwestern techniques, producing a dish that transcforms traditional chili expectations.

Nutritional depth meets artistic preparation in this remarkable vegetarian creation.

Passionate palates will discover pure magic in each carefully crafted spoonful – so grab your ingredients, share this recipe with friends, double-tap for love, and spread culinary inspiration across social platforms.

Why Ina Garten’s Vegetarian Chili Satisfies Everyone

• Flavor Explosion: This vegetarian chili packs an incredible punch with layers of complex spices like chili powder, cumin, coriander, and oregano that dance together in perfect harmony.
• Unexpected Ingredient Magic: The surprising addition of coffee, cocoa powder, and torn tortillas creates a depth of flavor that transforms an ordinary chili into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Veggie Powerhouse Technique: By slowly sautéing vegetables and building layers of ingredients, this recipe turns simple plant-based components into a hearty, protein-rich meal that satisfies even meat lovers.
• Effortless Gourmet Comfort: With just one pot and under an hour of cooking time, home cooks can easily create a restaurant-quality dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Ina Garten Vegetarian Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s vegetarian chili delivers rich, hearty comfort with complex layers of smoky beans and roasted vegetables. Mediterranean-inspired spices and robust tomato base create a soul-warming meal perfect for gathering friends around the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 28-ounce (794 grams) can of whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
• ½ head cauliflower

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), chopped
• 3 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ to 1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Spices, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• ½ cup brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously gather and prepare all ingredients by finely dicing onions, bell peppers, carrots, and mincing garlic. Arrange spices and additional components within easy reach.
2. Heat a spacious pot over medium-high temperature. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of extra-virgin olive oil, allowing it to warm and shimmer.
3. Introduce chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots into the heated oil. Sauté the vegetables, stirring continuously until they become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, then generously season with 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of chili powder, 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ground cumin, 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) ground coriander, and 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) dried oregano. Thoroughly mix to ensure even spice distribution.
5. Fold in chopped chipotle chile pepper and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) tomato paste, creating a rich, aromatic base.
6. Delicately tear 2 corn tortillas into small fragments and add to the mixture. Pour 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of brewed coffee, which will enhance the depth of flavors.
7. Carefully open the 28-ounce (794 grams) can of whole plum tomatoes. Crush tomatoes manually and introduce them into the pot, including their natural juices.
8. Reduce heat to allow the chili to simmer gently. Let the mixture develop its complex flavors for approximately 20 minutes.
9. Integrate 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 cans of thoroughly drained and rinsed pinto beans.
10. Dice half a head of cauliflower into small, uniform pieces. Add to the pot and continue cooking until vegetables become perfectly tender, roughly 10-15 minutes. Conclude by stirring in 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Brewed coffee introduces a complex, slightly bitter note that deepens the chili’s rich and robust flavor profile.
• Corn tortillas work quietly as a subtle thickening agent while adding a delicate corn undertone to the dish.
• Chipotle chile pepper delivers a smoky, intense heat that transforms the traditional chili’s taste experience.
• Toasting spices directly in the pot unlocks their essential oils, creating a more vibrant and aromatic foundation.
• Extra-virgin olive oil creates a smooth, luxurious base for sautéing vegetables and elevating the overall flavor complexity.
• Chop all ingredients beforehand to optimize your cooking workflow and ensure seamless preparation when it’s time to cook.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg