Perfect Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Barefoot Contessa vegetarian chili brings warmth and comfort to any dining table with its rich, robust flavors.

Vibrant vegetables dance together in a harmonious blend that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of textures and aromas that tantalize the senses.

Hearty legumes and aromatic spices create a deeply satisfying dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Home cooks appreciate how this recipe balances nutritional needs with incredible taste sensations.

Seasonal produce elevates this classic comfort food into something truly special and wholesome.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients combine to create a soul-warming experience.

Ingredients in Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

• Onion: Sweet base for depth of flavor, choose firm and smooth yellow or white onions.
• Bell Pepper: Adds color and mild sweetness, select vibrant and crisp peppers.
• Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and texture, pick firm and bright orange carrots.
• Celery: Introduces subtle herb-like flavor, look for bright green stalks without blemishes.
• Garlic: Brings robust and aromatic essence, select fresh, firm bulbs without sprouting.

• Chili Powder: Delivers warm and complex heat, choose high-quality blend for balanced flavor.
• Cumin: Offers earthy and smoky undertones, use ground cumin for consistent seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, smoky character, select high-quality Spanish style.
• Oregano: Provides herbal Mediterranean notes, use dried oregano for concentrated flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle depth and complexity, use dried whole leaf for authentic taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for best results.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy foundation, choose no-salt-added canned variety.
• Black Beans, Pinto Beans: Provide protein and hearty texture, select low-sodium canned beans.
• Vegetable Broth: Builds liquid base and adds subtle vegetable essence, opt for low-sodium version.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and develop initial flavor, select extra virgin quality.
• Vinegar: Brightens and balances final dish, use apple cider or white wine vinegar.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, bright finishing touch, choose crisp and vibrant leaves.

• Avocado: Adds creamy richness, select ripe but firm fruit.
• Tortilla Chips: Provides crunchy texture, choose restaurant-style or thick-cut.
• Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche: Offers cool, tangy contrast, select full-fat version.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, melty element, use freshly grated cheese.

Step-by-Step for Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

Step 1: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Carrot
• Celery

Sprinkle salt and cook for 7-10 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Spices

• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano

Stir constantly for 1 minute until the kitchen fills with an incredible fragrance.

Step 3: Build Hearty Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Vegetable broth
• Bay leaf

Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Remove from heat and discard bay leaf. For a thicker consistency, choose one method:

Option 1: Blend 1½ cups of chili and return to pot

Option 2: Use immersion blender to partially blend chili directly in pot

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Flavors

• Chopped cilantro
• Splash of vinegar

Adjust salt to taste

Step 6: Serve With Spectacular Toppings

• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese

Enjoy your mouthwatering vegetarian chili!

Helpful Chili Tips from Barefoot Contessa

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust chili powder to match your personal spice preference, from mild to fiery hot.
• Control Consistency: Add vegetable broth gradually if the chili becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• Develop Deep Flavors: Let the chili simmer longer to allow ingredients to meld together and create a richer, more complex taste.
• Personalize Your Bowl: Top with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or tangy Greek yogurt to elevate the dish.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance for more developed flavors.

Storing Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

Freezer: Lock in the chili’s robust flavors by freezing individual portions in sturdy, freezer-safe containers. Label each container with the date and contents, allowing you to track freshness and enjoy a quick meal later. Use heavy-duty freezer bags, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the chili’s delicious taste for up to 3 months.

Refrigerator: Store leftover chili in airtight glass containers to preserve its vibrant taste and texture. Glass containers prevent flavor transfer and keep the chili fresher compared to plastic. Consume refrigerated chili within 4 days for optimal taste and safety, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

Portioning: Divide the chili into smaller serving sizes before storing, which speeds up thawing and reheating.

Variations of Vegetarian Chili by Barefoot Contessa

• Southwestern Spice Boost: Add roasted green chiles and a dash of chipotle powder for an intense, smoky flavor profile that elevates the chili's warmth.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Edition: Mix in cooked quinoa during the final simmering stage to increase protein content and create a heartier meal with added nutritional value.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Replace traditional beans with chickpeas, incorporate za'atar spice blend, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian chili experience.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Before adding vegetables to the pot, quickly roast onions, bell peppers, and carrots in the oven to develop deeper caramelized flavors and enhance overall complexity of the dish.

Final Taste of Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili

Barefoot Contessa’s vegetarian chili emerges as culinary poetry, weaving complex flavors into a hearty symphony of beans, spices, and fresh ingredients.

Warm comfort radiates from each carefully crafted spoonful, inviting palates to explore plant-based richness without compromise.

Mediterranean-inspired aromatics dance alongside robust southwestern notes, creating a dish that transcends traditional chili expectations.

Layers of smoky cumin, bright oregano, and deep paprika compose a nuanced flavor landscape that challenges meat-centric perceptions.

Home cooks can elevate their repertoire with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that celebrates seasonal vegetables and wholesome nutrition.

Generous portions and versatile garnishes make this chili an irresistible centerpiece – share this recipe, comment with your favorite modifications, and spread delicious inspiration across your culinary community.

What Makes Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili Awesome

• Savor Rich, Layered Flavor Complexity: This vegetarian chili bursts with deep, interconnected taste profiles from carefully selected spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin that develop incredible depth without meat.
• Customize Your Comfort Bowl: The recipe offers flexible serving options, allowing personal creativity through toppings like creamy avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for a personalized dining experience.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Home cooks can confidently create this dish using simple methods like sautéing vegetables, building flavor layers, and achieving perfect texture through optional blending techniques that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein-rich beans, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this chili delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly in a single pot with minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness.

Barefoot Contessa Vegetarian Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s vegetarian chili delivers hearty Mexican-inspired comfort with robust flavors and colorful ingredients. Packed with protein-rich beans, sweet bell peppers, and warm spices, this chili promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped

Protein and Beans:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 large can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lime juice, to taste

Garnishes (optional):

• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla chips
• Sour cream or crème fraîche
• Grated cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Sauté diced onion, chopped bell pepper, sliced carrot, and minced celery with a quarter teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) of salt until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, approximately 7–10 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, ground chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Continuously stir for one minute to release aromatic flavors and prevent burning.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices, rinsed black beans, drained pinto beans, vegetable broth, and add one whole bay leaf. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let the chili cook slowly for 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the pot from heat and extract the bay leaf. For enhanced thickness, carefully transfer 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) of the chili mixture to a blender and puree until smooth, then reintegrate into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially break down the chili directly inside the cooking vessel.
5. Fold in freshly chopped cilantro and adjust with a splash of vinegar to balance flavors. Taste and season with additional salt if required.
6. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls. Embellish with optional garnishes such as additional cilantro leaves, sliced avocado, crisp tortilla chips, dollop of sour cream, and freshly grated cheddar cheese according to personal preference.

Notes

• Dial up or down the heat by adjusting chili powder to match your spice tolerance.
• Broth is your secret weapon for controlling chili consistency – splash more if it feels too thick.
• Low and slow cooking transforms this dish, letting flavors meld and deepen dramatically.
• Personalize your bowl with creative toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh cilantro, or tangy sour cream.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as spices continue to develop and intensify.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg