Ultimate Vegetarian Chili
A complex, meatless chili with deep smoky flavor and satisfying texture
Why This Recipe Works
A custom paste of toasted dried chiles provides a depth of flavor that store-bought powders simply cannot match. The hearty, meat-like texture is achieved by pulsing mushrooms, walnuts, and bulgur, ensuring a satisfying bowl that stands up to any traditional version.
Instructions
Toast the dried ancho, guajillo, and arbol chiles in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until they are fragrant and slightly darkened, about 3 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and cover with boiling water; let them soak until soft, about 20 minutes.
Pulse the mushrooms in a food processor until they are broken down into pieces no larger than 1/4 inch — the processor does the heavy lifting for the texture here.
Remove the chiles from the soaking liquid and blend with some of the reserved liquid until a smooth paste forms.
Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are well-browned, about 12 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, and oregano. Cook until the tomato paste is fragrant and has darkened to a rusty brown color, about 2 minutes.
Add the chile paste, tomatoes, beans, soy sauce, bulgur, walnuts, and sugar. Break up the whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon and stir to combine all ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the bulgur is tender and the liquid has thickened into a rich sauce, about 45 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and sour cream.
🍽️ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The chili can be made 1-2 days ahead. The flavors meld and improve with time.
What substitutions can I make?
- walnuts: toasted sunflower seeds