Meat-Lovers' Vegetarian Chili

This is a thick, hearty vegetarian chili that is a hit at parties even among die-hard meat eaters. The TVP gives it the texture of ground beef, and the chiles give it a nice depth of flavor. Cook it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. This recipe really benefits from using the best quality ingredients you can find. Also, I find this tastes best after sitting in the fridge overnight and reheating the next day. Serve with grated cheese on top.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 300 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup beer
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 2 cups texturized vegetable protein (TVP)
• 4 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, or more to taste
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 cups hot vegetable broth
• 1 (32 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes, undrained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Add bell peppers, poblano peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Cook and stir until soft, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker.

Step 2

Combine hot vegetable broth and TVP in a bowl; stir and let sit until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.

Step 3

Place diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, beer, vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, chili powder, cocoa powder, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cumin, oregano, liquid smoke, black pepper, and sugar into the slow cooker. Mix to combine.

Step 4

Cook chili on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours.