Quick Vegetarian Chili (You Won't Miss the Meat) | WEEKNIGHTING

Head to squarespace.com/LAGERSTROM to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code LAGERSTROM. Believe me when I tell you that vegetarian chili can be just as delicious and satisfying as meat-based chili. I'll show you a few simple moves to bring your veggie chili to the next level.
☕Enjoy this content and want to show support? Consider buying me a "coffee" here: ko-fi.com/brianlagerstrom
📸INSTAGRAM: / brian_lagerstrom
🔪MY GEAR:
BOOS BLOCK CUTTING BOARD: amzn.to/341OgnD
10" Chef's Knife: amzn.to/3gBwL4q
ESCALI DIGITAL SCALE: amzn.to/30bNZO3
IMMERSION BLENDER: amzn.to/36ycPf2
6.75qt LE CREUSET DUTCH OVEN: amzn.to/39o1VK7
LODGE CAST IRON SKILLET: amzn.to/3jw4oVf
------
RECIPE
------
▪250g or 4c white onion, medium diced
▪100g or 3/4c poblano, medium diced
▪15g or 1Tbsp garlic, minced/pressed
▪Olive oil
▪Salt
▪25g or 2Tbsp tomato paste
▪40g (about 2) chipotle peppers in adobo, small diced
▪20g or 2 1/2Tbsp chili powder
▪15g or 2Tbsp smoked paprika
▪15g or 2Tbsp cumin
▪10g or 1 1/4Tbsp cocoa
▪500g or 2 1/4c veggie stock + extra to thin chile if needed
▪1 28oz can diced tomatoes
▪1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
▪200g or 1c red lentils
▪2 15oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
▪2 15oz cans kidney beans with juices
▪225g frozen corn
▪10-15g or 3/4Tbsp soy sauce
▪10-15g or 1Tbsp brown sugar
▪10-15g or 1Tbsp apple cider vinegar
▪10-15g or 1Tbsp hot sauce
Heat large heavy bottomed pot over med high with a long squeeze of olive oil followed by onion, poblano, and a pinch of salt. Stir and saute until softened and onions are becoming translucent (2-3min).
Add garlic, stir and cook until fragrant. Add tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and spices. Stir and cook for about 30sec.
Add 500g veggie stock and tomatoes and stir well to combine (including scraping the bottom to prevent burning). Add lentils, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 15-20min, stirring occasionally, until lentils are cooked through.
Add beans and corn, stir. Add a bit more veggie stock if needed to thin the chili. Cover (lid cracked) and bring to a simmer for 10 min.
Add soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, and pinch of salt to taste. Stir, taste, and adjust for seasoning (i typically add a little more salt).
🎧MUSIC:
EPIDEMIC SOUND. Free trial available at: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
#vegetarianchili #chili #meatlessmonday
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:25 Prepping and cooking off the aromatics
1:21 Building the flavor base
2:24 Deglazing and building the flavors and texture
3:43 Ad
4:46 Checking the chili cook and adding beans
6:32 Final seasoning and plate up
8:04 Let's eat this thing
**DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description may be affiliate links. If you buy any of these products using these links I'll receive a small commission at no added cost to you. All links are to products that I actually use or recommend. Thank you in advance for your support!

[@AndNowIJustSitInSilence]

Nice. Would love to see more vegetarian and plant based recipes.

[@r.m5883]

He’s a chef not an activist

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

Me too!

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@r.m5883 The hell? Why did you say something as ridiculous is that? Do you have any idea how many people and cultures in this world don’t eat meat? They aren’t all “activists.” in fact, very few non-meat eaters are activists. Moreover, forgoing meat is healthier - this vegetarian chili he made is much healthier for him and everyone than a meat-based chili. There’s nothing whatsoever to knock about eating healthier, to live longer. We only get one precious life!

[@r.m5883]

@@anti-ethniccleansing465 not one culture in history has been vegan. That tells you everything you need to know right there

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@r.m5883 That’s not true.

[@MichaelAlthauser]

This "Weeknighting" series was a great idea, and you're always a blast to watch.

[@BrianLagerstrom]

🤙🏻🤙🏻thanks Michael as always for the comment

[@MichaelAlthauser]

@@BrianLagerstrom Heck yeah!

[@aalvarez2914]

I loved it. The extra oomph of the last clip more than made up for the lack of meat too. It didn’t just hit as hard, you nailed it! Now I need this as a new life coping skill tho dammit.

[@pitor1857]

We simply need more recipes for this series.

[@danielmoore6510]

@@pitor1857 Easy Pitor, you know there coming.

[@ethanforrestross2457]

This is perfect. I've made it a goal to eat only vegetarian lunches, and now that I am growing slightly sick of 'chickpea curry,' I was literally thinking: "I should try meatless-chili." Thank you, Brian!

[@r.m5883]

Globalist pawn

[@santijmm]

The best tip I've ever gotten for chili is letting it completely cool down and then reheat it. It just brings everything together so much better for some reason, it's incredible.

[@Thedegu]

Always appreciate weeknight vegetarian meals as during the week I am vegetarian! Thanks for this I'll deffo try it out! Love Chilli and love how well it freezes!

[@SipandFeast]

Love everything about this one, Brian!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

🙏🙏🙏thanks dood.

[@stephenstilwell1488]

love your channel. mangia

[@obamacats2096]

I've made a ton of vegetarian chili recipes and this is by far the best I've had. Anyone who's using chipotle peppers in adobo and cocoa powder... You know they know what they're doing. The additional seasonings at the end really brought everything together. Thank you so much!

[@austinator0817]

I'm making this tonight. I can't wait! Update: it was awesome. Highly recommend. As a dietitian this hits on all the levels: delicious, nutritious, and satisfying.

[@DarthCyfe6]

If anyone hasnt tried this, I almost always add carrots into my chili now. I love the sweetness, flavor, and texture they bring. Plus any excuse to pile up chili with more vegetables is always a solid move, imo.

[@NicholasSandar]

How long does it take to cook them? Would you add them in the beginning with the poblano? Or later?

[@DarthCyfe6]

@@NicholasSandar Yes, I add them in the beginning so I can also caramelize them as well! Adds an even sweeter flavor, and if you have the dice size, say twice the size of the pepper/onion, they will still have a bit of bite to them! It might take some trial and error to get it the way you want between the flavor, dice size, and texture.

[@janknoblich4129]

I tend to use the holy trinity for chili and Bolognese almost all the time

[@danielmoore6510]

@@NicholasSandar I've read that carrots are the only vegetable that are better for you cooked than raw. Given them ample time to soften. So add them early. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[@minhuang8848]

@@danielmoore6510 I can vouch for their taste, in fact, my bolognese-likes are between 50 an 80 % carrots. Turns out they're really, really good in just about everything. It gives the dish a distinct color and some might find it too sweet, depending on the ratio... but yeah, carrots are great and do not mind a bit of cooking.

[@dinoxsawrr]

Thank you for making this for all the vegetarians out there 🥺❤️

[@elizzy174]

This was so delicious! I love that your recipes don't use obscure ingredients or methods that are unrealistic for a home cook, but the finished products are really elevated compared to what I would make on my own. You are getting me out of a takeout rut and back into the kitchen with these Weeknighting recipes! I would buy a Weeknighting cookbook for sure.

[@maryanne1367]

Always wash your lentils! They can have little stones in them (I doubt that’s a problem with Bob's) but they are also starchy. Just wash until water is clear, like rice. Lentils can also be quite gassy if not properly rinsed. Love that you added lentils! Never occurred to me…( kinda why I’m here 😊)

[@surajdey1751]

For someone who don’t eat beef but really into chills… This is a boon, definitely trying this weekend. I am stoked. 🙂🙃

[@GlenESton]

I’d love to see more vegetarian or even vegan recipes. Love this channel!

[@CookwithSammy]

Hi Brian, I use a lot of red lentils but never thought of using it as a thickener for a chili (I love the idea) and using the coco powder is just genius .... thanks for the tips. You were right when you said no one adds seasning in the end like you did but now I will

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Awesome! Thanks Sammy

[@elyseg.18]

Hands down my favorite cooking channel on KZbin

[@williamreinhard]

Really excited to try this, I've never been too impressed with veggie chili. This might be just what I need to get through what is hopefully the last cold, rainy week of the spring before it starts getting warm again.

[@alicewhite8339]

Big up the veggie meals Bri we love a veggie weeknight meal 🤟 looks delicious can't wait to try it 🌱💚

[@paulasimson4939]

This looks fantastic. I like subbing in red lentils into anything that calls for ground beef, like spaghetti sauce. Chopping up a bunch of mushrooms and adding them in brings a good meaty texture too.

[@BrianLagerstrom]

My first test had chopped mushrooms and it was pretty good but It didn’t make the cut

[@gillisjack]

Hey. Thanks so much for this great recipe! I finally made it today and it was fantastic! I am sure that tomorrow it will be even better once everything soaks together overnight. My partner and I try to eat vegetarian a lot, but it does get mundane some weeks. I love the spices. I have never put chipotle or poblano peppers in my Chili but I will from now on! I made some homemade cornbread to go with your perfect chili. I did NOT miss the meat! Cheers, Peace and Blessings!

[@errdale]

Love the heat, added some Thai chili peppers that I had on hand which worked well with the recipe! Yields just enough to feed a volunteer fire company 😋

[@JampamJoejoe]

Yes! I love an extra veggie recipe! Thanks Bri, will make that some day :)

[@ilskootli]

Glad to see another vegetarian recipe showing up on here! I'm not strictly vegetarian, but my fiancée is, so Im basically vegetarian because (a) I don't care either way, and (b) it's way easier for me to only cook one thing for dinner. Keep 'em coming! Thanks, Brian!

[@rwhite778]

Looks AMAZING! Can't wait to try this one. Thanks for doing a veggie recipe!

[@MartiniBoy1987]

Made this for a work potluck today and everyone has said it’s great! Nice to offer something up that’s tasty and everyone can enjoy! First time making one your recipes and won’t be the last! Thank you!

[@johnballmore5484]

Yes. All my prayers have been heard 🙏 Thank you Brian

[@ElPedro212]

Right on cue! My mother-in-law made this Mexican pan bread thing over the weekend that was awesome, and after that I wanted to make chili... Thank you!

[@lexu8238]

Love the weeknighting series man. I really appreciate how much work goes into your videos. I've been cooking my way through and the recipes are always great.

[@cltinturkey]

Tastes great! I second the vote for more vegetarian and plant-based meals. Thanks!

[@dominicjohnson5350]

It's like you read my google searches 😅 Can't wait to try this, thanks!

[@Juleru]

Made this on the weekend - delicious! Careful though, this recipe makes a lot, probably enough for 10-12 people (still got leftovers for tomorrow and another 2 portions in the freezer :P)! A couple of changes to make it less spicy: - Use a green bellpepper (about 150g) instead of the pablano - Use just 1tsp chile powder + 2 tsp ground paprika (additional to the smoked paprika powder) - Omit the hot sauce (didn't want to buy any just for this dish) Even with two chipotle peppers there was only a very small amount of heat, definitely suitable for people who don't like food that's too spicy.

[@demijones7537]

Made this chili last night, and OMG it was delicious. I loved it, I will be making this from now on 🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@sun33t]

I made this today Brian. It's absolutely delicious 😋. Thanks so much!

[@theetahn3470]

I did this chili on friday, a pre-Halloween celebration. It was much appriciated among the company and I have plenty over. I even baked my own bread during the day so had fresh bread to serve with this dish. Great recepie :) Thank you!

[@jakemorris8820]

My wife and I have been watching your channel for quite some time. First time making one of your dishes. We loved it!

[@-roscoe]

A fellow St. Louisian here. I made this recipe last night following the directions precisely. It had realy great flavor and depth. I will definately make this again and maybe add meat. I wasn't a fan of the corn though, next time I will omit it. Just my preference. Thanks for the recipe Brian. I found your channel by accident and have been enjoying your content.

[@timmarkowicz779]

Weeknighting videos are the most helpful for me.

[@johnj6087]

I like your style Bri. Keeping things simple but maintaining a high standard :)

[@amberx776]

Oh my. Made this over the weekend. OUTSTANDING.

[@ThatCapnGeech]

I love this salad series!

[@curtisbailey78]

I've been stockpiling quite a few of your videos in a "Recipes" playlist I made, but this is the first one I've had a chance to make so far and the flavor is fantastic. I'm looking forward to trying out some of the other videos I've saved.

[@colepdx187]

That chili looks so good. Going to be trying this one for sure. Thanks for this video, Brian.

[@shirischwartz4718]

Finallyyyy ! i've been craving chilli for forever now so i have to try it ! Thank you !

[@AidanHomewood]

Let's goooo! Love weeknighting. Super useful.

[@TheDarrenH30]

I made this last night and really enjoyed it. Thank you Brian. The lentils gave a surprising feel and texture to the chili. Great idea that I’ll use in other recipes too. Keep up the good work.

[@joelaballister8567]

I’m making this right now and it smells incredible!

[@j1303901]

Perfect timing! My wife was just saying she wanted chili. Love the channel, keep it up, I've made like 5 things from this channel.

[@number1angel66]

I can't wait to try this recipe! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! Blessings to all in love and light! 🙏🏼💜🙏🏼💙🙏🏼🧡🙏🏼💛🙏🏼💚🙏🏼

[@howardtrebach3557]

Made this just now. Fantastic. Thank you. I left out the oil, so didn’t sauté anything. Put all the tomatoes and broth and chipotle in the pot and zapped with the hand blender until smooth. Then added aromatics, spices etc according to the recipe. One of the best chilis I’ve ever made, meat or not.

[@marlene-rr2ih]

This is the best channel for the best recipes and the best written instructions. Also the best speed, and best entertainment. Recently found this channel and was able to cancel almost all of the tedious other ones. Thanks - for being so darn smart!

[@JoeKenneally]

This looks really excellent - tough to get that thickness when I make veggie chilis - super stoked to try this. Huge shout for showing how you'd go about making a veggie stock sometime!

[@HannesNitzsche]

Just made this and have to say this is a fantastic veggie Chili. Highly recommend! I added a good handful of fresh jalapeños and man, this is a ripper!

[@user-mt6hr4qf9n]

Ah thank you so much for doing veggie recipes!

[@RiceBowl74]

I am definitely going to try this very simple and looks delicious!! Great job on the video, excellent quality and great directing skills.

[@GDAviad]

This is the first time I tried one of your recipes and it was awesome! It actually made me feel like I’m in love with the world 😘🌎 thank you very much! 🙏🏽

[@malavikakesavan5193]

You were right, I didn't miss the meat or even want cornbread/bread with this (I did doubt you brieflu). This was an immensely satisfying meal-- way better than any vegetarian chili I've ever tried at restaurant or made before! It somehow is rich without being heavy. Love this series! I made it out of desperation and it was awesome/didn't take that much time, brainspace or dishes! Now I have lunches for the week!

[@theovertyrant2620]

This was an absolute banger. Would do again and will do again. Thanks for the help with my vegetarian friends.

[@MatthewLeering]

Made it tonight, and tastes fantastic. Thanks!

[@rhkean]

I'm going to make it this weekend. I can't wait!

[@anthonyarnold5855]

Looks baller. Can't wait to make it!

[@evan9536]

Trying to incorporate more vegetarian meals into my diet. This couldn't have come at a better time!

[@annabee7975]

Wow..... I'm absolutely loving this.... I'm shook over the red lentils..... Ive gotta try this .... omg.....it looks delish..... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@luckybarrel7829]

OMG Thank you! I was waiting for you to post a dark side recipe. I knew my prayers would be answered one day. Finally!

[@adventure_hannah3841]

Made this because meat is expensive, I work long hours, and this is meal-prep and fridge-container friendly. Abso-fricko-lutely epic. This recipe lasted me lunch and dinner for a week, and then just lunch for two weeks. It's so good I don't mind eating it on repeat. Thank you!

[@londonfroglatte]

Thanks for another killer recipe! While I watch a lot of home-cooking youtubers, you’re the only one who’s recipes I make regularly. Made this tonight with a side of cornbread and it did not disappoint. I was a bit hesitant about the cocoa but I can confirm it does not taste chocolatey! I probably should’ve halved this recipe for my household of 2. I see a lot of leftover chili lunches in my future…

[@tiarawillis5677]

Ton of ideas for a great tasting meatless chili! Thanks for making it. I will try it soon.

[@frankzito8653]

Genius! My hubby is gonna love this!!

[@karenfox1671]

Lentils were a great addition to this recipe, they create a different texture replacing the beef. It was spicy and salty and a little sweet and, a squeeze of lime juice finished it off with a really nice kick of tang. Thanks again Brian!

[@BrittanyMolloEccles]

This looks really good. I can’t wait to try it.

[@karishmamomaya4890]

I tried this recipe! It's so perfect...I even added some marinated roasted paneer and served as a dip with naan bites...super hit at my party...and then main course was your deep dish pizza with a veggie twist...you are simply amazing 👏 😊

[@cherylvanscoyoc7744]

Made this today. It's awesome! I switched out the corn for sweet potato, otherwise followed recipe to the letter. My new favorite chili recipe.

[@kkz201]

excited to prep this for work lunch

[@erisisthename]

This looks so good! I’m on the road to vegetarianism and it is no easy road. This looks like a good one to have in my arsenal. Thanks, Brian!

[@rosebascom9180]

I made this for dinner tonight it was amazing!

[@cipriantothazan294]

Thank you for sharing this version. I personally use dark chocolate instead of cocoa to give some velvetiness and I always use cinnamon, I really recommend it.

[@tiinaveer5298]

I'll also add some strong brewed coffee if I have any left over from the morning. This next one sounds crazy, but during peach season, adding some finely minced ripe peach instead of sugar is truly delicious in chili. Learned this trick from a chef a long time ago and it's really good. I'm not makingchili that often during summer... I guess canned peach would work too.

[@indaystocome7416]

looks great one I will try. Thank you for the recipe.

[@adriennepender673]

Proud carnivore here, but I would eat this in a minute! Great weeknighting series, Brian!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Thank you!

[@emilyalbertson1602]

Love this! I would love to see a video of how you grocery shop/pantry staples you keep on hand to cook on the fly! :)

[@levelupmaya5217]

I am French but you hautely spot it every time !!!!!

[@svenleeuwen]

Bri! This is another banger! Absolutely delicious!

[@K_D.WaterLaw]

Keeping the bean juice as a thickener is genius. I might use that somewhere else too.

[@b.a.erlebacher1139]

I've been making a tomato pasta sauce with red lentils. The lentils add a nice texture and fuller taste, as well as being a good source of protein and B vitamins.

[@jeniferjoseph9200]

Great vid as usual! Been obsessed with your cooking lately. My bf loved your vodka pasta I made for him! Keep up the great work

[@tiinaveer5298]

Another great recipe, thank you. Perfectly seasoned, great texture. The lentils are a brilliant way to get body (and quickly). Have made a few veggie chilis in the past and this one is better than all of them by a long shot.

[@ayd1990]

Cooked it today and it was realllly tasty and flavorful!!! Thx for the recipe bro:)

[@DanaSellsLA]

I love your “chili dance” at the end! Vegetarian approved!

[@t1harby]

Tried it tonight. Very good.

[@lasumm]

Brian!! I thought I was the only one who puts corn in my chili!! And I love it that way!

[@FrogRider]

Great recipe. It turned out pretty good for me!

[@Algardraug]

I love the culture differences. I have no idea what poblano chilis are and getting my hands on chipotles in sauce is not super easy, but you explain what red lentils is and that is super common here, no one would have to have it explained :D

[@MorallyAmbigousEnby]

Great video as always, cant wait to try this out! Also, if you want to avoid using the bean liquid (I know it can cause indigestion for some people) agar-agar powder can replicate the thickening power you usually get from gelatin in a meat chili, and its good at replicating that gelatin mouthfeel that's hard to replicate with starch.

[@brrink]

I loved the bare handing of the pot. Real flex.

[@hannahbella5592]

I make your vegan nachos maybe once a fortnight, because it’s straight up the best nachos ever! A proper crowd pleaser. I can’t wait to add this to the meal prep rotation 🙌

[@beccaslape6299]

Just made this today! Nothing like brisk 95 degree day to make you crave steaming-hot chili. But this recipe is AWESOME. So satisfying and flavorful-we loved it! 👏👏👏 Brian

[@beccaslape6299]

Also made the poblano/cheddar cornbread to go with it. Fantastic combo.

[@Jassie17524]

Bri, i must say that your chilli looks absolutely delish!!

[@michaellacy8510]

The cocoa is a game changer in any chili. Good call!

[@Eclyptical]

Made this recipe for my meal prep, it is very good! I don't even miss the meat!

[@chris-ui2nt]

Adding some sweet potatoes really tastes nice too :) Looks good Bry

[@moth1560]

looks amazing, will definitely try as a chili lover :)

[@kolornarykr38ions99]

might have to try this, this looks amazing, normally im one that likes meat in mine but with this veggie version, looks great.