Vegan tofu chili
Vegan Tofu Chili is a hearty and nutritious meal made with crumbled tofu, kidney beans, and a variety of vegetables, simmered in a rich tomato base. The blend of spices gives it a vibrant flavor, making it a satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional chili.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 cups kidney beans1 block tofu
1/2 cup onion
2 garlic cloves
2 stalks celery
2 carrots
1 can canned tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp red pepper (spice)
1 tsp paprika
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
Vegan Tofu Chili is a hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner. It's a wonderful plant-based alternative to traditional chili, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe combines tofu, kidney beans, and a blend of vibrant vegetables with aromatic spices to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Dice the celery stalks and carrots into small pieces.
- Drain the tofu and use a fork or your hands to crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and crumbled tofu to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix well to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their liquid), tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans.
- Stir everything together to combine.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
- Taste the chili and add a dash of salt and black pepper according to your preference. Adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, vegan sour cream, or shredded vegan cheese.
This Vegan Tofu Chili is an easy-to-make, wholesome, and hearty dish that will satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. Packed with protein and bursting with flavors, it's the perfect meal for a cold evening or any gathering. Enjoy this vegan twist on a classic dish and feel good about the nutritious ingredients and delicious taste.
Vegan tofu chili FAQ:
Simmer the chili uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken. Stir occasionally during this time.
You can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, as it allows enough space for the ingredients to cook properly without overflowing.
The tofu will absorb flavors and change color slightly as it cooks. It should be heated through and can be slightly browned when sautéing, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
Tips:
- Press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture, which will help it absorb the flavors better.
- Sauté the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots well to develop a deep, rich flavor base for the chili.
- Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust the spices according to your heat tolerance. Add more chili powder or red pepper for an extra kick.
- Consider adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, for additional textures and flavors.
- Serve the chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 140kcal
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 4.63g
Fat 6g
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