This dairy-free chili is a warm hug in a bowl, packed with hearty beans, colorful veggies, and zesty spices. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal!
I’m telling you, it’s so good that you won’t even miss the cheese! I love topping mine with avocado for a creamy touch. Who’s up for a cozy bowl tonight? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Beef: The meat adds a hearty flavor, but feel free to omit it for a vegetarian option. Instead, you can add more beans or crumbled tofu for substance. I often go meatless, and it’s delicious!
Tomato Paste: This adds depth and richness to the chili. If you don’t have any, you can substitute it with an extra can of diced tomatoes or use tomato sauce for a similar effect.
Spices: Chili powder is key for that warm flavor. If you’re out, a blend of paprika, cumin, and even a bit of cayenne can work. Adjust to your taste! I like to sprinkle extra chili powder at the end for a bolder kick.
Beans: Kidney beans are classic, but feel free to swap them for black beans, pinto beans, or any beans you enjoy. I love using a mix for a variety of flavors and textures!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Chili?
To build a delicious flavor base for your chili, it’s important to sauté your onions, garlic, and peppers well. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat to soften the onion (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic last, cooking just until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes)—burnt garlic can turn bitter!
- Spices should be added after the aromatics, cooking until they become fragrant (about 1 minute). This enhances their flavor.
- Simmering the chili allows flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning while it cooks!
By following these steps, you’ll create a wonderfully rich and inviting chili. Happy cooking!
Dairy-Free Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef (optional for meat version, can omit for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- sliced avocado
- sliced jalapeño
- chopped green onions
- dairy-free sour cream
- dairy-free shredded cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dairy-free chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 30-40 minutes to simmer, giving you around 45-55 minutes total to enjoy this hearty meal from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
2. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Next, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook these together for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper has softened up a bit.
3. Cook the Meat (if using):
If you’ve chosen to use ground turkey or beef, add it to the pot now. Break it apart with a spoon and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving to the next step.
4. Spice it Up:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute, mixing well until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Mix in the Tomato Paste:
Add the tomato paste into the pot, and stir it through so that it coats all the ingredients evenly.
6. Combine the Rest:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Let it Simmer:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens to your liking!
8. Final Seasoning:
After the chili has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little extra salt or pepper, according to your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeños, green onions, dairy-free sour cream, or dairy-free shredded cheese. Enjoy every comforting bite!
This chili is rich, hearty, and completely dairy-free while still creamy and comforting thanks to the combination of beans and spices. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Beans for This Chili?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium content and remove any canning liquid that might affect the flavor.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! If you’re missing some spices, try using a pre-made chili seasoning mix for convenience. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste, as pre-made blends can vary in spice levels.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian or Vegan?
Simply omit the ground turkey or beef and replace the broth with vegetable broth. You can add more beans or even lentils for extra protein and texture. A variety of vegetables like zucchini or corn can enhance the dish as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to the freezer!
