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I’ve been trying to perfect this vegan chilli recipe for ages, and I think I have finally managed it! I love a good veggie chilli, but sometimes either the colour of the dish (without the meat it’s a little bit lighter and brighter) or the taste of it can be pretty boring. Well, maybe it’s just me, but I like exciting and colourful food.
This has become a fortnightly standard favourite for me in my husband as we try to eat more vegan these days. Beans are very good for you, good source of plant – based protein and vitamins.
What IS chili sin carne??
I hear some of you asking.
Chilli sin carne is a delicious and hearty vegetarian twist on the classic chilli con carne. In Spanish, chilli con carne means chilli with meat and chilli sin carne means chilli without meat. Posh, Spanish name for vegan chilli.
Originating from the traditional Tex-Mex dish, this version substitutes meat with a variety of hearty vegetables, beans, and the same flavourful spices.
Is it difficult to make chilli sin carne?
Cooking vegan chilli with all the regular Mexican garnishes like tortilla wrap, tortilla chips, guacamole and whatever you like – this can be a real crowd pleaser for your guests. It does not require a lot of chopping and long hours of cooking either, so great idea as a midweek meal, served with rice. It also freezes well, so you can cook a batch and just freeze it for later.
How to make chilli sin carne?
Vegan or vegetarian chilli typically begins with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, plus of course the Mexican spices, which provide a beautiful, aromatic foundation to the dish. From there, you can add an assortment of vegetables—these can include mushrooms, zucchini, or corn, depending on your personal preference and what’s in season. The star ingredient, however, is the beans. Whether you choose black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas, they offer both protein and fiber, making chilli sic carne as nutritious as it is satisfying.
Let’s see the main ingredients and variations!
Mexican spice mix
I use 1/2 tsp of dried coriander, ground cumin and smoked paprika. Plus a tsp of lazy chilly or 1/2 tsp chilli flakes – this really depends on how spicy do you like your chilli, though.
Beans
Beans, are going to be your “carne”, the meat-replacement in the dish. Yes, you could buy some ultra-processes meat substitute as well… I’m not saying I never do that, but everything in moderation and opening a can of beans is just as simple. Furthermore you get a lot more nutrients out of it as opposed to desiccated soy.
Now you can use any beans, but I think red kidney beans are the best, sometimes I mix them with black beans so it’s even more Mexican. Black eyed peas are next best and all the other soft white beans and chickpeas are the runner ups. A can of mixed beans will please everyone.
Vegetables
Again, I have a firm favourite, which is bell peppers, preferably yellow and red, but sometimes all three colours at the same time. Purple carrots are fantastic to add depth to the colour the chilli but regular carrots are also great for a bit of an extra sweetness. I don’t use other veggies, I’m a chilli sin carne purist.
What to serve chilli sin carne with?
Of course, the first obvious side is serving it over a bed of fluffy rice. This not only adds a nice texture but also makes for a filling meal. If you’re looking for something lighter, opt for quinoa for a fresh green salad topped with a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavours.
Secondly, no chilli is complete without tortilla on the side. Warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the chilli.
Finally, don’t forget about the dips. You can also offer a side of guacamole or a dollop of vegan sour cream to add creaminess, garnishing with grated vegan cheese (you can swap both for vegetarian options if that’s what you prefer) and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Best Vegan Chilli Sin Carne Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 240 g grain mince I used the Waitrose one
- 1 can black beans drained
- 1 can mixed beans drained
- 1 purple carrot grated
- 1 can diced tomato
- 300 ml vegetable stock using one whole cube
- 1 tsp lazy chilli or 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- handful fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Chop up all the veggies. Get a big casserole dish out. Fry the onions for two minutes. Then add all the fresh veggies, chilli and cumin. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the stock and the can of tomato. Add the cans of beans. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the minced grains and cook for another 20-25 minutes.
- Serve it immediately with white rice, and your favourite Mexican garnishes. Tortilla chips, tortilla wrap, guacamole and grated vegan cheese. Enjoy.
If you liked this chilli sin carne recipe, check out these vegan dinner ideas too:
Vegan Beans and Leek Soup Recipe
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites With Buffalo and Ranch Sauce Recipe
Lazy Ratatouille (Vegan Recipe)
Vegan Leek and Caramelised Onion Latkes Recipe
Vegan Lemon, Asparagus and Leek Risotto Recipe
