This delightful slow cooker vegetarian chili is a hearty, wholesome, and flavor-packed meal. It's perfect for those cozy nights in, and it's jam-packed with nourishing ingredients like farro, kidney beans, and a blend of aromatic seasonings. This recipe makes it easy to create a comforting and nutritious chili that's sure to satisfy any appetite.
The recipe calls for farro, a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich grain that you may not regularly have on hand. It's similar to barley and can usually be found in the grains section of your supermarket. Another ingredient to note is chipotle chili in adobo sauce. This gives the chili a smoky depth of flavor, and you can usually find it in the international or Mexican food aisle.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Farro: A healthy and hearty grain that adds a wonderful bite to the chili.
Onion: Adds a base layer of flavor.
Garlic: Gives a kick of flavor.
Chipotle chili in adobo sauce: Adds a smoky heat to the chili.
Kidney beans: Adds protein and makes the chili hearty.
Tomato sauce and tomatoes: Creates the base for the chili.
Green chiles: Adds a mild heat.
Vegetable stock: Adds flavor and helps the ingredients meld together.
Beer: Adds depth and richness to the chili.
Chili powder and cumin: These spices bring warmth and depth to the chili.
Salt, sugar, and black pepper: Balances the flavors.
One reader, Garrik Toomey says:
This slow cooker vegetarian chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and hearty, and the texture is perfect. It's so easy to make and the aroma fills the house. I love that it's packed with protein and fiber. It's my go-to comfort food now!
Key Techniques for Making Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
How to cook farro or quinoa: Farro or quinoa should be cooked in vegetable stock according to package directions until they are tender and fully cooked.
How to sauté onions: Diced onions should be cooked in a large stockpot with olive oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How to season and taste: After the chili is cooked, it should be tasted and seasoned with additional salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.
How To Make Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Warm-up your stomach with a bowl of slow cooker vegetarian chili. Kidney beans, onion, and chili cooked in tomato sauce and spices, this is one hearty meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupuncooked farro,or quinoa
- 1red or yellow onion,medium, peeled and diced
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 1chipotle chili in adobo sauce,chopped
- 15ozdark red kidney beans,rinsed and drained
- 15oztomato sauce
- 14oztomatoes,diced
- 15ozlight red kidney beans,rinsed and drained
- 4ozgreen chiles,chopped
- 4cupsvegetable stock
- 1cupbeer,or you can just add extra vegetable broth
- 2tbspchili powder
- 1tbspground cumin
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspsugar
- ½tspblack pepper
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and stir thoroughly to combine. Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours until the chili is cooked through. Taste, and season with additional salt and pepper or seasonings if need be.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra toppings if desired. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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In a small pot, cook the farro or quinoa in the vegetable stock according to package directions until it is cooked through.
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Meanwhile, as the farro or quinoa are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate large stockpot over medium-high heat.
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Add diced onions and saute for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add all of the remaining ingredients excpet the vegetable stock and farro (or quinoa), and stir to combine.
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Continue cooking until the chili reaches a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Once the quinoa or farro is cooked, add it (along with any extra vegetable stock) to the chili and stir to combine. Taste, and season with additional salt and pepper or seasonings if need be.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra toppings if desired. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 494.34kcal
- Fat: 2.48g
- Saturated Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.22g
- Carbohydrates: 92.13g
- Fiber: 21.38g
- Sugar: 9.36g
- Protein: 29.42g
- Sodium: 746.33mg
- Calcium: 136.19mg
- Potassium: 1967.17mg
- Iron: 9.89mg
- Vitamin A: 129.32µg
- Vitamin C: 57.89mg
Expert Technique Tip for Enhancing Flavor
When cooking the farro or quinoa, it's important to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy. Both grains should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. This will give your vegetarian chili a nice texture contrast. Additionally, when adding the vegetable stock to the chili, do it gradually. This allows you to control the consistency of the chili. Some people prefer a thicker chili while others may like it a bit more soup-like. By adding the stock slowly, you can adjust the thickness to your liking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all the ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and boiling process.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Recipe
farro - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a great substitute for farro as it has a similar nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a suitable replacement in the chili recipe.
chipotle chili in adobo sauce - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor to the dish without the heat of the chipotle chili, making it a suitable alternative.
dark red kidney beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans can be used as a substitute for dark red kidney beans, providing a creamy texture and a slightly different flavor profile to the chili.
light red kidney beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for light red kidney beans, offering a similar texture and taste to the chili.
vegetable stock - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth can add a rich umami flavor to the chili, similar to vegetable stock, while enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
beer - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for beer, adding depth and flavor to the chili without the presence of alcohol.
chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder can be used as a substitute for regular chili powder, providing a slightly sweeter and smokier flavor to the dish.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for ground cumin, offering a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to the chili.
tomato sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and a fresher taste to the chili.
Best Presentation Ideas for Vegetarian Chili
Elevate the plating: When presenting this slow cooker vegetarian chili, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the chili.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the chili with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the dish, such as a side of crispy tortilla strips or a dollop of creamy avocado to provide a delightful textural contrast.
Artful drizzle: Before serving, drizzle a swirl of vegan sour cream or cashew cream over the chili to create an elegant and artistic presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for elegant, high-quality ceramic bowls or porcelain dishes to present the chili, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors, shapes, and flavors on the plate.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the chili with a slice of freshly baked artisan bread or cornbread to complement the dish and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Chili
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly preparing vegetables and other ingredients for the chili recipe.
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is an essential tool for this recipe. It allows for long, slow cooking of the chili, which helps to develop the flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- Large stockpot: A large stockpot is necessary for sautéing the onions and combining all the ingredients for the chili. It provides ample space for simmering the chili and allows for easy stirring.
- Small pot: A small pot is used for cooking the farro or quinoa in the vegetable stock separately before adding it to the chili. It helps to ensure that the grains are cooked through and adds a hearty texture to the dish.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is essential for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker and stockpot. It helps to combine the flavors and ensure even cooking throughout the chili.
- Knife: A sharp knife is needed for chopping the onion, garlic, and chipotle chili. It's important to have a good quality knife for efficient and safe food preparation.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and other ingredients for the chili. It helps to keep the kitchen clean and organized while working with multiple ingredients.
- Can opener: A can opener is necessary for opening the cans of kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and green chiles. It's a convenient tool for accessing the canned ingredients used in the recipe.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Vegetarian Chili
- Let the chili cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the chili appears too thick after thawing, add a little vegetable stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed before serving.
- Serve the reheated chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapenos.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetarian Chili
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover chili to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating. If the chili appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat the chili in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chili to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. Stir the chili halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Slow cooker method: if you have a small amount of leftover chili, you can reheat it in the slow cooker. Transfer the chili to the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the chili to reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is best for larger quantities of chili.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the chili well to distribute the heat evenly. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may have intensified during storage. If the chili appears too thick, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Vegetarian Chili
The slow cooker vegetarian chili recipe is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling meal option. It's also a versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or sour cream to suit individual preferences. Additionally, this recipe can be easily adapted to include other ingredients like different types of beans or vegetables, allowing for endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this chili is a perfect comfort food option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Chili Recipe Economical?
This slow cooker vegetarian chili recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like farro, kidney beans, and vegetable stock, it offers a budget-friendly meal option. The use of pantry staples and versatile vegetables makes it a practical choice for families. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and nutritious option. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker vegetarian chili recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The recipe includes:
- Whole grains: Farro, a nutrient-dense grain rich in fiber, protein, and minerals
- Legumes: Kidney beans, which are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and green chiles, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
The use of vegetable stock and tomato-based products adds depth to the flavor profile without relying on excessive amounts of saturated fats or processed ingredients. Additionally, the recipe incorporates a moderate amount of beer, which can add a unique flavor dimension without significantly impacting the overall nutritional value.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to enhance its healthiness:
- Reduce the amount of added salt and sugar to minimize the intake of these potentially harmful ingredients
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, carrots, or celery to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Use low-sodium vegetable stock and tomato products to further reduce the sodium content
- Experiment with different types of legumes, such as black beans or chickpeas, to diversify the nutrient profile
To make this chili even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking to incorporate more leafy greens
- Serve the chili over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for an extra boost of complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Top the chili with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, which provide additional antioxidants and flavor without adding calories
- Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-rich and lower-fat alternative
The Editor's Take on This Vegetarian Chili Recipe
The slow cooker vegetarian chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The combination of farro, beans, and vegetables creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. The addition of chipotle chili in adobo sauce and beer adds a depth of smoky and rich flavors, while the spices and seasonings complement the dish perfectly. The option to serve the chili with additional toppings allows for personalization, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe. Whether enjoyed immediately or stored for later, this chili is a delicious and comforting choice for any occasion.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Chili
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement the Chili
Why trust this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted choice for a hearty vegetarian chili that's packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of farro and kidney beans provides a satisfying texture and a good source of protein and fiber. The addition of chipotle chili and green chiles brings a smoky and spicy kick, while the tomato sauce and tomatoes offer a rich and robust base. With the use of vegetable stock and beer, the depth of flavor is enhanced, making this chili a standout dish. Trust this recipe for a delicious and wholesome meal.
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