Hairy Bikers​ Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli is a hearty and flavourful recipe, which is made with kidney beans, black beans, and sweetcorn. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.

Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables.
• Onions (2, finely chopped): Provides the base flavor.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and color.
• Green bell pepper (1, chopped): For an extra crunchy texture.
• Carrot (1, diced): Adds a bit of natural sweetness.
• Canned chopped tomatoes (2 x 400g): The base of the chili sauce.
• Kidney beans (1 can, drained): Provides protein and texture.
• Black beans (1 can, drained): Adds heartiness and protein.
• Sweetcorn (1 cup): For a slight crunch and sweetness.
• Tomato purée (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce and enhances the tomato flavor.
• Chili powder (2 tsp): For heat, adjust to taste.
• Ground cumin (2 tsp): Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds a smoky depth to the chili.
• Ground coriander (1 tsp): For a fresh, citrusy note.
• Vegetable stock (300ml): Helps to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.
• Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, bell peppers, and carrots, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavor.
3. Add the tomatoes and beans: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, kidney beans, black beans, and sweetcorn. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Pour in the stock: Add the vegetable stock to the mixture, bring to a simmer, and then reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5. Season and serve: Taste and season the chili with salt and black pepper to your liking. If desired, garnish with fresh coriander.

Recipe Tips

• How to adjust the spice level? The heat comes from the chilli powder. You can add more or less depending on your preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper will also increase the heat.
• Can I add other vegetables? Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Diced courgette (zucchini), mushrooms, or butternut squash would all be delicious additions.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Follow steps 1 and 2 on the stovetop. Transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
• How to get the richest flavour? Letting the chilli simmer for the full 30 minutes is key. The flavour will be even better the next day.

What To Serve With Vegetarian Chilli

This is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways.

• On a bed of fluffy white rice
• With corn chips for dipping
• Alongside warm tortillas or in a burrito
• As a topping for baked potatoes

How To Store Vegetarian Chilli

• Refrigerate: Let the chilli cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavour is often even better the next day.
• Freeze: Chilli freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different beans? Yes, feel free to use any canned beans you like. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas would work well.
• Why is my chilli watery? If your chilli is too thin, simply let it simmer for a little longer with the lid off to allow the excess liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce and thicken.
• Can I add a meaty texture without meat? Yes, for a “meaty” texture, you could add some cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. Some vegetarian mince products are also excellent in chilli.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole​ Recipe

Hairy Bikers​ Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Course: DinnerCuisine: British

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

A classic, hearty, and deeply flavourful vegetarian chilli packed with beans and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  

• 2 onions, chopped
  

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  

• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped
  

• 1 carrot, diced
  

• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
  

• 1 can kidney beans, drained
  

• 1 can black beans, drained
  

• 1 cup sweetcorn
  

• 2 tbsp tomato purée
  

• 2 tsp chili powder
  

• 2 tsp ground cumin
  

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  

• 1 tsp ground coriander
  

• 300ml vegetable stock
  

• Salt and pepper

Directions

• Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onions for 5 minutes. Add garlic, peppers, and carrots and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  
• Stir in the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  
• Add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, beans, and sweetcorn. Stir well.
  
• Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25-30 minutes.
  
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander if desired.