Vegan Chilli

There are some vegan recipes that are so flavoursome, even the most carnivorous of people don’t miss the meat, and chilli is definitely one of them. It’s such a warming dish and is packed full of vitamins to help keep those pesky colds at bay, making it perfect for winter.

I’ve played around with this recipe a lot and will probably continue to do so over the years. Sometimes I add mushrooms, or replace the kidney beans with butter beans; vegan ingredients are in abundance and so many work well together which we might not think of, so experimentation is key when it comes to plant based cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 white onions
• 1 green pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 2 chilies
• 400g kidney beans
• 260g Naked Glory vegan mince
• 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2-4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sunflower oil for frying

Method 

1. Roughly chop the onions, peppers, garlic and chilli.
2. In a large pot on a medium heat, add a little sunflower oil, and fry the onions until soft.
3. Next, add the peppers, garlic and chillies and fry for 5 minutes before adding the tomato puree, chill powder, cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
4. Then add the mince and fry for a further 3-5 minutes before adding the kidney beans and chopped tomatoes.
5. Bring to the boil, then simmer on a low heat for 25 minutes.

Serve with rice, taco shells, or with soft tortillas.

Health Benefits 

Soya and kidney beans are packed full of protein and fibre, is a perfect meat substitute and the first go-to  for many people on a plant-based diet. We need protein to help build and maintain healthy bones and muscles. The myth that vegans are instantly protein deficient because of their diet choices is something that, I’m sure everyone on a plant-based diet has had to argue against at one point or another.

Garlic, onions and chillies all contain antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C, helping the body absorb iron and fight infection.

Paprika has anti inflammatory properties, which is great for aches and pains. It also contains vitamins B6 and E, which help maintain healthy hair and skin.

Peppers are a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, E and folate. We need these vitamins for our eye health, blood, nerve and muscle regulation and for healthy skin and hair.