4 Bean Chili Recipe (Vegetarian or Vegan)

This ingredient list for this 4 bean chili is simple, and preparation couldn’t be quicker.  Four kinds of beans mean a protein power-punch in every serving.  Not a fan of pinto beans?  Can’t stand cannellini?  You can easily substitute more of one kind of bean for the one(s) you don’t like.

Some vegetarians do not eat traditional Worcestershire sauce because it contains anchovies.  While vegan Worcestershire sauce is available, if you can’t find any feel free to substitute soy sauce or balsamic vinegar, or just leave it out altogether.

Making this vegan is easy peasy, just leave out the cheese or substitute a vegan cheese instead.

4 Bean Vegetarian Chili

Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Soup/Stew
Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian
Yield: 8 people

Materials

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (or 3 tsp minced bottled garlic)
  • 4 cups water divided
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained & rinsed
  • 1 (15- ounce) can kidney beans drained & rinsed
  • 1 (16- ounce) can cannellini beans or other white beans drained & rinsed
  • 1 (15 1/2- ounce) can pinto beans drained & rinsed
  • 1 (6- ounce) can tomato paste

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 minutes or until tender.
  • Add 3 cups of water.
  • Stir in sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes and all beans.
  • Whisk tomato paste into remaining 1 cup water.
  • Stir tomato paste mixture into bean mixture.
  • Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
  • Serve chili in bowls and add your favorite chili toppings (cheese, onions, etc).
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