Chilli Mushroom Con Carne (Printable version)
Satisfying vegetarian bowl with meaty mushrooms, kidney beans and smoky spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1.1 lbs button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and diced
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green chili, finely chopped
→ Canned & Beans
06 - 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 2 tsp ground cumin
11 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp ground coriander
13 - 0.5 tsp chili powder
14 - 0.5 tsp dried oregano
15 - 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1 tsp salt
→ Liquids
17 - 1 cup vegetable stock
→ Garnishes
18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
20 - Lime wedges
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, and green chili, cooking for another 2 minutes.
03 - Add the diced mushrooms and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
04 - Mix in the cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
06 - Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, then bring to a simmer.
07 - Stir in the kidney beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and lime wedges.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The mushrooms develop this incredible umami richness that makes you forget theres no meat in the pot
- Its one of those rare plant-based meals that actually feels hearty and filling enough for dinner
02 -
- Do not rush browning the mushrooms, that step creates the depth that makes this chili satisfying
- The chili needs those 20 minutes of simmering to properly thicken and develop flavor
03 -
- Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of running water to prevent them from becoming waterlogged
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving, this allows the sauce to thicken slightly