Vegetarian Skillet Chili
Southern Living | Print
All it takes is 30 minutes and one pan.
PHOTO: VICTOR PROTASIO
30 mins
Active Time
30 mins
Total Time
Servings
4
It's hard to beat a warm bowl of hearty, beef-filled chili, but this speedy vegetarian chili delivers the same cozy flavor in a fraction of the time. A tasty blend of mushrooms and white beans stand in for the meat in this recipe, adding texture and heartiness. Like traditional chili, this version gets a big flavor boost from go-to ingredients like cumin, tomatoes, garlic, and onion, which simmer along with the mushrooms and beans, allowing them to soak up all the rich flavor.
In addition to cilantro leaves, finely chopped tender cilantro stems also go into this veggie-packed recipe, along with fresh jalapeño and red bell pepper. The result is a chili that's packed with bold flavors that meld perfectly with just a quick 10-minute simmer—it's so tasty you'll want every night to be Meatless Monday!
Ingredients
1 bunch fresh cilantro sprigs
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. portobello mushroom caps (about 4 mushroom caps), gills removed, chopped (about 5 cups)
1 medium-size (9 oz.) red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup chopped white onion (from 1 medium [8 oz.] onion)
1 medium-size jalapeño chile, seeded and chopped (1 Tbsp.)
2 Tbsp. minced garlic (from 2 garlic cloves)
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 (15-oz.) cans no-salt-added great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
¾ cup lower-sodium vegetable broth
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. kosher salt
Cheddar cheese, chopped avocado, and lime wedges
Directions
Separate leaves and stems of cilantro sprigs; chop leaves and tender stems separately to equal about 1/3 cup each. Set aside.
Step 1
Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro stems, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, cumin, coriander, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
Step 2
Divide chili evenly among 4 bowls. Top evenly with reserved cilantro leaves, cheese, avocado, and lime wedges.