The Easiest 5 Bean Vegetarian Chilli Recipe... EVER! - Savvy Bites (2024)

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???? 6 chef secrets to an incredible vegetarian chilli

• Variety of beans- this is a 5 bean chilli so we're already ahead of the game there. We're using a mix of kidney, pinto, black, cannellini beans, and pea beans. The mix of beans brings extra flavour and texture that would otherwise not be there if you're just using kidney beans.
• Spice blend- this is arguably the most important element of any chilli. What you need is a balance of spice and smoke to create a chilli that has depth and flavour. Cumin has a warm earthy flavour with a hint of citrus, chilli powder or cayenne for heat, and smoked paprika for smokiness.
• Adding umami ingredients- Vegetarian chilli can often lack the depth that comes from browned and slow simmered meat. So we need to add some of that depth using ingredients that are rich in umami while still being vegetarian and vegan. Some great choices are mushrooms, or a teaspoon of soy sauce or vegemite will bring a deep rich flavour that will make everyone request seconds and thirds!
• Flavourful base- Using vegetable stock cubes or stock pots in this 5 bean chilli help to bring added flavour, along with lots of garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Soften them in some olive oil to help release their natural sugars and oils and caramelize them to build flavour.
• Acidity- Every dish will benefit from some acidity and this spicy smoky bean chilli is no exception. Use a splash of apple cider vinegar, or lime juice to brighten the flavours and balance out the richness.
• Simmer- a great chilli benefits from time and heat. Let this chilli simmer over low heat for an hour (or more) to develop depth and give the flaovurs time to blend and marry.

• Start by heating some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, you will see it shimmer, add the chopped onions to the pan. Soften the onions for about 5 minutes until they're translucent. Add in the garlic and continue to sauté until it's fragrant. This should take another 5 minutes.
• Add in the chopped fresh bell pepper and chopped chargrilled peppers, and the spice blend. Continue to cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the fresh pepper and onion are just starting to colour and the spices are toasty and fragrant.

Chef's tip- How to thicken chilli

1. Turn the heat up and simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced.
2. Remove some of the beans and mash them with a fork before adding them back to the pot.

⭐️The ULTIMATE secret chilli ingredients you MUST add

Three surprising ingredients that take your chilli from good to OMG!

1. Cinnamon- it's a warm, earthy spice that can add depth and complexity to chilli. It also helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the sweetness of the vegetables.

3. Soy sauce- is a source of umami, which is a savoury taste often associated with meat. When added to vegetarian chilli, soy sauce can help to mimic the taste of meat and make the flavour more satisfying and filling. *Add soy sauce sparingly because it can quickly become overpowering. If you're gluten-free add tamari instead.

2. Dark chocolate- The chocolate can add a subtle sweetness and a rich, almost smoky, flavour to the chilli. It also adds a hint of bitterness that can balance out the heat of the chili and give it a more complex flavor.

*Be sure to use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. Anything less will be too sweet. Both ingredients need to used in small amounts, so they complement the chilli without overpowering it.

Add these secret ingredients to the chilli at the end of the cooking process, so the flavours are preserved and still prominent. Use one or all of them. Your chilli will go from great to award-winning!

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