Vegan Chili (WFPB Option) - (2024)

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Vegan Chili (WFPB Option) - (1)
Vegan Chili (WFPB Option) - (2)

Vegan chili is a favorite comfort food around America. This vegan chili with a WFPB (whole food plant based) option is not only vegan, but also has the option to not add oil or processed foods unless you choose to add the optional TVP as a vegan “ground beef” or extra toppings. Not only is chili a tasty and satisfying meal, but it also offers a range of health benefits. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the health benefits of WFPB chili and tips for making the perfect batch at home.

Benefits of vegan chili

  1. High in Nutrients: One of the main benefits of vegan chili is that it is packed with nutrients. Beans, which are a staple ingredient in vegan chili, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
  2. Helps with Weight Management: As vegan chili is made with whole, plant-based ingredients, it is low in calories and fat while being high in fiber. This means that it can help you feel full and satisfied for longer, which can aid in weight management.
  3. Good for Digestion: The fiber in vegan chili can also help promote healthy digestion. It can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
  4. Helps Lower Cholesterol: Since vegan chili is free of any animal products, it is naturally low in cholesterol. Beans are also known for their ability to lower cholesterol. Vegan chili can help lower your overall cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Chili

  1. Experiment with Different Beans: My favorite beans to use are a combination of black beans, kidney beans, cannellini or great northern beans (white beans, and pinto beans. But don’t be afraid to try other types of beans such as chickpeas or lentils! All beans offer different textures and flavors that can add a unique twist to your chili.
  2. Add Your Favorite Vegetables: This recipe only calls for onions, but you can add your favorite vegetables such as peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes, or green chiles for added flavor and nutritional benefit.
  3. Don’t Forget Toppings: Some of my favorite toppings are vegan shredded cheddar cheese, vegan sour cream, cilantro, chopped green onion, and fritos. If you are strictly WFPB, choose cilantro or green onions and an oil-free sour cream.
  4. Blend! After you are done cooking your chili by your preferred method (stovetop, instant pot, or crockpot,) transfer about ¼ of the soup to a blender, or use an immersion blender right in the pot, and blend a small portion of the soup. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine. This step is optional but oh so delicious! It adds the perfect creaminess to your chili.

Conclusion

Vegan chili is a delicious and healthy dish that is the both comforting and satisfying. In addition, it’s packed with nutrients and fiber, making it the perfect meal. With these tips, you can easily make a delicious batch of vegan chili at home.

Pick up your instant pot on Amazon here to make this chili and many other dishes super convenient. My favorite thing to make in my instant pot is vegan yogurt–so easy and so delicious!

Vegan Chili (WFPB Option) - (3)

Print Recipe

Easy WFPB vegan chili your family will love

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Author: Kristi

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Crockpot optional

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced or 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 14-ounce cans beans of choice, drained black, pinto, kidney, or white beans
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh sweet corn
  • 2 tbsp small TVP pieces optional
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning optional, depending on heat preference
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Instant Pot Directions:

    Add all ingredients to the instant pot. Cook on high pressure 10 minutes with pressure valved to sealing. Allow pressure to naturally release then open lid. Blend 1/4 of the soup and return to pot for a rich and creamy chili.

    Garnish with green onions, cilantro, corn chips, cheddar cheese, and vegan sour cream as desired.

  • Stovetop Directions:

    In a large saucepan on the stove, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add in onion and garlic and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until onion begins to appear translucent.

    Open and drain liquid from beans. Mix into saucepan beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, onion powder, chili powder, taco seasoning, and salt. Cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.

    Blend 1/4 of the soup and return to pot for a rich and creamy chili.

    Garnish with green onions, cilantro, corn chips, cheddar cheese, and vegan sour cream as desired.

  • Crockpot directions:

    Add all ingredients to crockpot. Cook on high 4 hours or more, or low 12 hours or more.

    Blend 1/4 of the soup and return to pot for a rich and creamy chili.

    Garnish with green onions, cilantro, corn chips, cheddar cheese, and vegan sour cream as desired.

Vegan Chili (WFPB Option) - (2024)

FAQs

What can I replace meat with in chili? ›

Here are just a few ideas.....
  • An extra can of beans (pinto, kidney, or black)
  • Seitan.
  • Bulgur.
  • Portobella Mushrooms.
  • My Cauliflower Taco Crumbles.
  • Butler Soy Curls.
  • Any of the new burger crumble products in the store.
Jan 15, 2023

How much protein is in a bowl of vegan chili? ›

Serving Info

Each bite of this hearty chili is packed full of aromatic spices, beans, tomatoes, and green chiles and is the PERFECT antidote for a blustery fall day. Plant-based ground ups the protein ante, giving each serving over 25g of protein.

Is plant based chili good for you? ›

This Easy Vegan Chili Recipe is healthy, hearty, and a perfect cozy meal for chilly days! It's packed with protein and fiber thanks to beans & veggies. What's your go-to cozy rainy day food? For me it's chili.

Is Trader Joe's vegetarian chili vegan? ›

I think this may be the third iteration of Trader Joe's vegetarian (really vegan) chili. — at one point, they swapped out the soy for sunflower protein, and now peas are having their day in the sun. So, if you have allergies or sensitivities to peas, proceed with caution.

What are 3 good meat alternatives? ›

ProVeg presents the 10 best meat alternatives.
  • Meat alternatives are growing in popularity. More and more consumers are questioning the consumption of meat and the effects that our diets have on animals, the environment, and our health. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Soy protein. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Seitan/wheat protein. ...
  • Lupin protein. ...
  • Green spelt. ...
  • Oat flakes.
Oct 10, 2023

What is a good protein substitute for chili? ›

bulgur or quinoa - inexpensive and usually easy to find in the bulk bins at the grocery store, bulgur adds even more of a ground meat texture to vegan chili.

How to get 70 grams of protein on a vegan diet? ›

Lentils, beans (kidney, black, chickpeas), peas, and soybeans are all excellent sources. Aim for 1-2 cups cooked legumes daily. Tofu and Tempeh: Made from soybeans, these versatile options can be incorporated into stir-fries, scrambles, curries, or baked. A half-cup serving of tofu or tempeh packs a protein punch.

How to get 50 grams of protein on a vegan diet? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  1. Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  2. Soya beans. ...
  3. Quinoa. ...
  4. Nuts. ...
  5. Seeds. ...
  6. Cereals and grains. ...
  7. Quorn™ ...
  8. Dairy.

What has the most protein vegan? ›

20 best vegan protein sources chart
FoodServing (g)Protein (g)
1. Tempeh10020.3
2. Seitan10017.9
3. Edamame12017.2
4. Tofu160 (half block)16.3
16 more rows

What does chilli do to the gut? ›

Stomach health: Multiple studies have shown that capsaicin inhibits acid production in the stomach, which may help prevent ulcers. Gut health: Perhaps surprisingly, spicy foods can have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect in the gut and improve the microbiome.

How long does vegan chili last in the fridge? ›

Leftovers: This chili will keep in the fridge for about 4-5 days, and also freezes well. Instant Pot version: Use the sauté feature and cook your onion and garlic, then add the rest of the ingredients (except the tofu, bake that in the oven like normal).

What are the healthiest beans for chili? ›

Kidney beans are, in my opinion, the best for vegetarian chili. Raw beans, however, contain high amounts of phytohemagglutinin, meaning that if you purchase dried kidney beans, you must pre-soak and boil them before consumption. Canned beans, however, are pre-cooked and are perfectly fine to eat.

Is Pacific plant based chili vegan? ›

Immerse your taste buds into something truly unique with Pacific Foods® Organic White Bean Verde Chili. This vegan chili features white beans, chickpeas and farro. Roasted poblano peppers, tomatillos and a hint of lime round out the flavor for a bright, zesty twist on classic chili.

Does Chick Fil A have vegan meat options? ›

Chick-fil-A offers a few options for those times you need to feed a bunch of hungry vegans at once. Does Chick-fil-A offer vegan chicken? No, there is no vegan chicken. But since other fast-food chains have introduced plant-based substitutes for chicken, we might see this at Chick-fil-A before long.

Does Wendy's have vegan chili? ›

Bakery Items – The biscuits, cookies, or croissants are not vegan-friendly. All contain eggs and dairy. Chili – Contains meat.

What other meats can you put in chilli? ›

Ground Chicken or Ground Turkey

For those of us who may not be too fond of the texture or flavor of beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a protein substitute that is just as delicious.

What can I replace eating meat with? ›

Protein rich plant foods

Some whole foods, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and mushrooms, contain protein or have a meaty texture and can work well as meat substitutes. Food manufacturers often include these types of food in their vegetarian and vegan products.

How do you thicken chili without meat? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix together 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water, stirring well to remove any lumps. Then, stir the slurry into your chili and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully thicken.

Does chili have to have meat? ›

If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

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