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Cozy Vegetarian Chili

This cozy vegetarian chili brings together hearty beans, garden herbs, and slow-simmered flavor in one comforting bowl. Sautéed onions and yellow peppers are infused with rosemary and thyme before joining a medley of kidney beans, black-eyed peas, and tomatoes in the crockpot. After a long, gentle cook, it becomes rich and thick with a hint of smoke and spice; perfect for chilly days when you want something nourishing, aromatic, and effortless.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp large yellow onion diced
  • 1 tbsp bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 tsp fresh rosemary minced (or two small sprigs)
  • 1-2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, undrained
  • 1 can 15 oz black-eyed peas, undrained
  • 1 can 15 oz chili beans or black beans
  • 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies like Rotel
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 to 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup corn kernels frozen or canned, drained
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Equipment

  • 1 Crock Pot

Method
 

  1. Sauté the base: In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Add rosemary and thyme and let them infuse for another minute. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
  2. Transfer to the crockpot: Pour the sautéed mixture into your slow cooker.
  3. Add everything else: Stir in all the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, broth, and spices. Mix until combined.
  4. Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours (or High for 4 hours) until thick and hearty. If it seems too loose near the end, uncover for the last 30–45 minutes to let it thicken naturally.
  5. Finish and serve: Stir in chopped basil and parsley before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Serve with: A slice of cornbread, over elbow pasta, or topped with shredded cheese, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
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