Vegetable chili with beans and corn

Vegetable Chili with Beans and Corn is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a comforting meal. This chili is packed with vegetables, beans, and corn, and it's easy to make. Here's a delicious recipe:

Vegetable Chili with Beans and Corn

Ingredients:

• For the Chili:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1-2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Vegetables:

   • Stir in the diced bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Add the Beans and Corn:

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Mix well.

4. Add the Seasonings:

   • Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

5. Add the Broth:

   • Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.

6. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the chili into bowls and add your choice of optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Optional Variations:

• Spicy Chili: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Sweet Chili: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) for a non-vegetarian version.

This vegetable chili with beans and corn is perfect for meal prep and leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop over time. Enjoy!