Vegetarian Chili Recipe Party and Bar

Today is all about one word. Comfort. Real comfort food. The food that can soothe your soul and warm your heart, put a big smile on your face and just bring more joy into this season! We’re making a Vegetarian Chili Recipe today, a Chili party and bar that brings everyone together for pure comfort and joy! 🙂

I’m having a really cozy fall this year. A fall loaded with soups, baked goods, and this vegetarian chili recipe!

There’s something about chili that works both ways, it’s probably one of the most comforting heartwarming cozy foods ever. Yet, it’s also a great food to enjoy while watching the Game, having friends over for a fun non-cozy occasion.

Why we all need more of this Vegetarian Chili in our life: 

You’ve probably made plenty of chili recipes before. So have I and I’ve found vegetarian chili recipes to be a touch more delicious.

Another factor I love about vegetarian chili is the feeling that I can load up as many toppings as I like without it ever feeling “heavy”.

So no matter what I add, my chili bowl always feels light and because of that, I go for seconds and thirds without counting. Obviously,  this feels quite great!

But guess what, the good news is—today we’re going for a vegetarian chili recipe plus we’re also getting a load of vegetable protein! It’s absolutely a win-win.

So whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you’re getting a light and healthier version of your favorite cozy bowl 🙂 I’ve found these MorningStar Farms® products at my local Walmart (freezer aisle) and used them as my primary source of protein and hearty goodness to my vegetarian chili recipe.

They were exactly what I was looking for! And before I go into more details, here’s an amazing ibotta offer for you to try them and EARN some $!

When you’re looking for them, try the MorningStar Farms® Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles or the MorningStar Farms® Grillers Crumbles.

Each one has a different flavor and spice, both of them totally delicious! The MorningStar Farms® Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles has bold southwest spices which worked beautifully here in my chili boosting 8g of protein per serving.

Similarly, the MorningStar Farms® Grillers Crumbles have 9 grams of protein but with 75% less fat than regular ground beef.

These crumbles have no strong flavors, which means they’re super versatile! I added them to my chili for a hearty filling meaty-ness, likewise, they’re great for sloppy joes and bolognese pasta.

Bonus—kids love them! And you all know very well how picky my little miss J. is!

Ok so let’s get started on this natural seasonal Fall set up. Lately, I’m finding myself in love with rich fruits, veggies and herb table setups.

I used to be on of those who spend on fancy centerpieces and usually reach for floral anything. I still love floral settings. Can’t deny that.

Flowers certainly add intense beauty to whatever setup you have. However, I find that now, I prefer a touch of floral beauty rather than relying on it entirely.

I started setups like that in the Summer since fruits were absolutely gorgeous and vibrant. And I felt I wouldn’t continue as the weather cools down, but I was so wrong!

Fall citrus, pomegranate, squash, radishes, beets..etc..all are still gorgeous and vibrant, but in a deep warm way compared to summer fruits. I start with a burlap sheet and scatter some seasonal sprigs of cedar greens along the center of my table.

How to make little table decorations out of oranges: 

For the oranges, I quartered the tops using a pairing knife, going a third of the way only.

Then I peeled the tops off carefully without removing them, and I used them two ways.

I stuffed some with some green chilli peppers, and I stuffed some with tea candles.

How to make fresh Pineapple Salsa-Stuffed Pineapple Boats: 

Then I made a sweet, spicy and addicting pineapple salsa which I stuffed in the pineapple.

Start off by slicing the whole pineapple in half and coring it. It seems like the easiest way was to first use a paring knife and cut around the flesh of the pineapple leaving about half an inch border and then coring the insides using a melon baller.

Dice the pineapple with salsa ingredients and place it right back in each half.

Probably one of the most colourful things on the table were the chili bar ingredients! Use your favorites, store-bought or homemade—just add as many as you think your guests would enjoy!

I had sliced avocados, diced onions, sliced chilli peppers, baby heirloom tomatoes, lime wedges, sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese and different corn chips!  Just imagine a loaded bowl of this vegetarian chili recipe!! It was SO GOOD!!!

How to make the best Vegetarian Chili: 

Now, certainly, we need to talk chili. I start by sautéing some onions, chilli peppers (optional), cilantro and garlic, which I spice with some chilli powder, cumin and oregano.

Then I add in my MorningStar Farms® bags, jazz up with more spice. I stick to chilli powder, cumin and oregano for my chili recipes, always!

Give that a nice sauté for a couple of minutes before I add in my tomatoes. I used a combo of canned diced tomatoes ( you can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother chili with zero tomato chunks!) and tomato paste.

Add in more beans, some corn and the same spice mix. Cover and let the chilli cook for about 30 minutes until all these amazing flavors blend and infuse!!

Simple, easy and serious crowd pleasing food! This vegetarian chili recipe and bar are a great excuse to throw a hearty vegetarian Holiday and New Year’s eve party this year!

I almost wanna say that it’s all about the chilli, but seriously it’s not just that. Sometimes the tiniest things in life can bring so much comfort and joy to our hearts.

A group of close friends, a natural seasonal fall set up on the table and a huge bowl of hearty cozy vegetarian chilli sometimes can put you in the happiest mood—just like it did with us! It seems like this time of year always reminds me to celebrate the tiniest things in life 🙂

Finally, I can’t urge you enough to try the MorningStar Farms® products—you need to taste it to believe it! They’re the star of my vegetarian chili recipe and they’re an “as is” meal solution for busy crazy days!

Plus if you’re one of those who loves veggies and can’t get enough protein out of them—well they’re your perfect answer! And if you’re not a vegetarian, well they’re a healthier way of enjoying a meaty taste minus the fat!

Tips for success: 

• Add any type of legume you want! I used black beans but chickpeas or even lentils are fine.
• Roasted sweet potatoes, cut into cubes would be another great addition to this chili recipe.
• Sour cream, cheddar cheese, and nacho chips are the most essential additions to a chili bar – beloved by everyone. Go from there and add whatever toppings and salsas you like.

5 from 5 votes

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Vegetarian Chili Recipe Party and Bar

Today is all about one word. Comfort. Real comfort food. We’re not only making a Vegetarian Chili Recipe today, we are throwing a whole Chili party and set up a chili bar that brings everyone together for pure comfort and joy! 

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican, TexMex

Keyword Chili bar, Chili Party, Vegetarian Chili

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 346 kcal

Author Mahy

Ingredients

Vegetarian Chili:

• 2 tablespoons neutral tasting oil
• 2 onions finely diced
• 2 chilli peppers sliced (optional for extra heat)
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves minced
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 bag MorningStar Farms® Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles frozen
• 1 bag MorningStar Farms® Grillers Crumbles frozen
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• pinch cumin
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 3 cups diced tomatoes and their juices use crushed for a smoother chilli without chunks of tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup black beans canned (rinsed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• pinch cumin
• 1/2 cup minced cilantro leaves

Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 pineapple cored and finely diced to about 3 cups of pineapple chunks
• 2 jalapeños minced (more or less to taste)
• 2 tablespoons minced red onions
• juice of 1 large lime
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Chili Bar:

• finely diced onions
• sliced avocados
• selection of baby tomatoes
• chopped cilantro
• scallions chopped
• sour cream
• shredded cheddar cheese
• assorted corn chips
• sliced jalapeños
• Pineapple salsa recipe above

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the oil, onions, chili peppers if using, garlic, cilantro, and seasonings. Sauté that for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

2. Add the MorningStar Farms® bags, seasonings and sauté for an extra couple of minutes.

3. Add in the tomatoes, corn, beans, seasoning and bring the chili to a boil. Then cover the pot of chili and let it cook for at least 30 minutes on low heat to infuse all the flavors together. Once the chili is ready, add in the cilantro, turn off the heat and serve!

4. Make the pineapple salsa int he meantime, slice a whole pineapple in half and use a paring knife to go around the borders of each half pineapple. Leave about half an inch border as you go. Then grab a melon baller and scoop out as much of the pineapple as possible.

5. Chop the pineapple into fine pieces about 1/8th of an inch and add them in a bowl. Mix in the remaining ingredients and then scoop the salsa back to the pineapple shells.
6. Serve the chili with the salsa and toppings! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Add any type of legume you want! I used black beans but chickpeas or even lentils are fine. 
• Roasted sweet potatoes, cut into cubes would be another great addition to this chili recipe.
• Sour cream, cheddar cheese, and nacho chips are the most essential additions to a chili bar - beloved by everyone. Go from there and add whatever toppings and salsas you like.

Nutrition Facts

Vegetarian Chili Recipe Party and Bar

Amount Per Serving (1 serving - no toppings)

Calories 346 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 681mg30%

Potassium 933mg27%

Carbohydrates 56g19%

Fiber 12g50%

Sugar 21g23%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 1075IU22%

Vitamin C 110.4mg134%

Calcium 78mg8%

Iron 4.2mg23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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