This Hairy Bikers’ Vegetarian Chilli is a rich and “meaty” recipe, which is made with vegan mince and a complex blend of spices, coffee, and dark chocolate for incredible depth. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, ready in about an hour.
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli Recipe Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- 400 g vegan mince (store-bought)
- 1 red pepper, de-stemmed, de-seeded and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoon tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon chipotle paste OR ½ teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s a vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon marmite
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 shot espresso OR 30ml strong coffee
- 400 g peeled plum tomatoes, from a can
- 400 ml boiling water
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 400 g kidney beans, from a can, drained
- 20 g dark chocolate
For Serving:
- Cooked long-grain rice
- Vegan sour cream
- Fresh coriander
How To Make Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli Recipe
- Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the onion and fry for a few minutes until softened. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Mince: Add the vegan mince to the pan. Use your spatula to break it up and fry for 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly browned.
- Combine and Simmer: Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan: red pepper, tomato puree, chipotle paste, all the spices, Worcestershire sauce, marmite, soy sauce, espresso, plum tomatoes, boiling water, stock cube, kidney beans, and dark chocolate. Stir everything to combine, breaking up the tomatoes with your spatula.
- Slow Cook: Bring the chilli to a simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat slightly, and leave to simmer for at least 35 minutes, or up to an hour for the best flavor. Stir occasionally. If the chilli appears to be getting dry at any point, add a splash of water.
- Serve: Once the chilli is reduced, glossy, and rich, it’s ready. Serve hot over cooked rice, topped with a dollop of vegan sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the secret to the rich flavor? The combination of coffee, dark chocolate, marmite, and soy sauce creates a deep, savory, umami flavor that mimics the richness of a meat-based chilli. Don’t skip them!
- Why let it simmer for so long? The long, slow simmer is key. It allows all the complex flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce and thicken into a glossy, rich consistency.
- What’s the best vegan mince to use? A good quality store-bought vegan mince will give the most “meaty” texture. You can use fresh or frozen.
- How do I get a smooth consistency? As the plum tomatoes cook, use the back of your spatula or a wooden spoon to break them up against the side of the pan. This helps them dissolve into the sauce.
What To Serve With Vegetarian Chilli
This hearty chilli is a meal in itself, but it’s fantastic with a variety of classic accompaniments:
- Fluffy white or brown rice
- A dollop of vegan sour cream or guacamole
- Tortilla chips for dipping and scooping
- A simple, crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette
How To Store Vegetarian Chilli
- Refrigerate: Cool the chilli completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will be even better the next day.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cool it down, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Vegetarian Chilli Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 381kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Iron: 11mg
Nutrition information is per serving.
FAQs
If you prefer a whole-food option, you can substitute the vegan mince with a drained can of brown or green lentils. Grated firm tofu is also a great, high-protein alternative.
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so it is not vegan. However, many brands (like Henderson’s Relish or various store brands) make vegan versions, so be sure to check the label.
While it might sound unusual, these ingredients are crucial for creating a deep, rich, and complex flavor that is often missing in vegetarian chilli. They don’t make the dish taste like coffee or chocolate, but rather add a savory depth.
Try More Recipes:
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli Recipe
Description
An incredibly rich and “meaty” vegetarian chilli packed with complex, savory flavors from coffee, dark chocolate, and a blend of classic spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté onion in hot oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the vegan mince and brown it for 2-3 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan, breaking up the tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for at least 35 minutes, or up to an hour, until rich and glossy.
- Serve hot with rice, vegan sour cream, and fresh coriander.
Notes
- The long, slow simmer is essential for developing the deep, complex flavors of the sauce.
- This chilli tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
- Don’t skip the unusual ingredients like coffee and chocolate; they are the secret to the rich, savory taste.
- If the chilli becomes too dry during cooking, simply add a splash of water.
