Vegetarian Chili Mac

Name: Vegetarian Chili Mac
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping); Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Isabella

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Looking for a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal? This Vegetarian Chili Mac combines the richness of chili with the comforting goodness of macaroni, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome dinner or lunch option. Packed with vegetables, beans, and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, diced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.

Add Bell Peppers and Zucchini: Stir in diced red and green bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook until slightly tender.

Add Beans and Corn: Mix in corn kernels, black beans, and kidney beans.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain.

Combine Chili and Macaroni: Add cooked macaroni to the pot of chili. Stir well and simmer for 5 more minutes.

Serve: Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro or green onions.

Serving Tips:

Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top of each serving for a burst of freshness and color.

Cheese Option: Serve with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired, for added creaminess and flavor.

Accompaniments: Pair with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a larger batch and portion it into meal-sized containers for quick and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Allow the Vegetarian Chili Mac to cool completely before transferring leftovers to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: To freeze, cool the chili macaroni completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Freshness Tip: For the best flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions and a dash of chili powder when reheating to refresh the dish.

Related Recipes:

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, such as vegetable broth and canned goods, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Vegetarian Chili Mac?

Adjust the spiciness to your liking by varying the amount of chili powder and paprika used. Start with the suggested amounts in the recipe and add more if you prefer a spicier kick. Conversely, reduce the amount for a milder flavor profile.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetarian Chili Mac is versatile and welcomes additional vegetables. Consider adding diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance nutritional value and add different textures.

How do I store leftovers of Vegetarian Chili Mac?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled chili macaroni in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a delicious meatless meal, this recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table. Try it out and enjoy the goodness of homemade chili with a comforting pasta twist!

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