Vegan Chickpea Chili (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
This Vegan Chickpea Chili combines chickpeas, whole peeled tomatoes, a trio of chili powder, paprika, and cumin, plus sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and jalapeño. The slow cooker method melds flavors over hours, resulting in a hearty, mildly spiced chili with a chunky texture. Toasted slivered almonds add texture and the addition of corn and scallions bring brightness, making it a filling plant-based main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chickpeas OR 3 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed, dry
- 28 ounces peeled whole tomatoes (crushed with their juices)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon paprika I used sweet paprika, hot
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 red onion finely chopped, medium
- 1 red bell pepper halved and sliced into ½-inch wide strips, large
- 5 garlic grated, cloves
- 1 jalapeño sliced into thin rounds, small
- kosher salt
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh cooked or thawed if previously frozen)
- 6 scallions (green and white parts, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup almonds toasted, slivered
Instructions
Prepare the Chickpeas
- If using dry chickpeas, place the chickpeas in a large bowl and add cold water to cover. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, and let the chickpeas soak for 8 hours or up to overnight. Otherwise, you can use canned chickpeas, simply rinse and drain.
Vegan Chili in Slow Cooker
- Drain the chickpeas and place them in a large slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, then fill the tomato can with water and add that to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Cover with the lid, set the slow cooker on low, and cook for 6 hours.
- In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke, after 2 to 3 minutes, add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and Jalapeno. Season with kosher salt and cook, stirring from time to time, until the onions soften lightly, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the sauteed vegetables to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Set the slow cooker on high and cook for 30 minutes.
- Stir the corn and scallions into the chili and taste for seasoning.
- Ladle the chili into individual bowls and top with the almonds. Serve!
Vegan Chili Stovetop Method
- In a large pot, saute the vegetables and aromatics in olive oil. Season with kosher salt and add in the spices.
- Add in the tomatoes, water, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover part-way and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes or so.
- Finally, stir in the corn, and scallions and allow 3 minutes or so to warm through. Add the finishing touches and serve!
Notes
- Soaking dry chickpeas overnight in cold water before cooking improves texture and reduces cooking time.
- Canned chickpeas can be used as a convenient substitute; rinse and drain before adding.
- Adjust chili powder and jalapeño amounts to control the chili’s spice level.
- Toasted slivered almonds add texture contrast and visual appeal.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 3627
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 362.7kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 51.8g | 17% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 10.1g | 16% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 8% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 251.9mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 894.8mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 13.8g | 55% |
| Sugar | 11.5g | 23% |
| Vitamin A | 809IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 16.5mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 132.8mg | 13% |
| Iron | 5.7mg | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.