The Best Vegan Chili Recipe for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Vegan Chili

Weeknights can get pretty hectic, and finding time to cook can be tough. With this delicious chili, however, you only need a handful of pantry staples, 15 minutes of prep work, and a pan full of flavorful joy. Whether you’re a vegan or a meat lover, this vegan chili recipe is the perfect treat for a cozy night in. Put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for This Vegan Chili

For the Chili:

  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large sweet potato, cut into cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups. vegetable broth
  • 1 bottle of a Mexican beverage such as Modelo
  • 1 can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Chili powder

For the Topping:

  • Lime wedges
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Thinly sliced scallions
  • Heavy cream (optional)

Note If you’re vegetarian and not vegan, you can serve the chili with a slice of cornbread (for a gluten-free option), garlic bread, nachos, or anything else you have. If you have other leftover veggies (and even meat), feel free to toss them in there!

Vegan Chili: The Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Spices

Grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the celery, onions, and peppers and cook for three to four minutes, until softened. Add the oregano, chili powder, garlic, cumin, and paprika and sauté until nice and fragrant, about one to two minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

Step 2: Let it All Simmer preparing the vegan chili

Add the beverage and let it cook for six to eight minutes or until it’s reduced by half. Stir occasionally. Then, add the black and pinto beans, sweet potato, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are cooked through and the mixture is slightly reduced.

Step 3: Serve While Hot!

When ready, serve with a topping of your choice and enjoy while still hot. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. The chili tastes just as delicious when it’s reheated, so feel free to make a bigger batch and secure your weeknight menu!

Cindy Crawford Proves That a Luxe Patio Can Be a Great Outdoor Bed

Cindy Crawford

Outdoor daybeds were probably only thought of as furnishings for expensive hotel pools in the past. It’s understandable: until 2020, many people didn’t spend nearly enough time at home to consider purchasing something so enormous and elegant only for a backyard pool or patio. However, it is now 2021, and though many things have returned to normal, the tendency of devoting more time and money to enhancing the area outside the home shows no signs of abating. Yes, even large purchases like an outdoor bed are on the table, as Cindy Crawford’s version, which she showed on Instagram in late May, exemplifies.

Crawford has been uploading images of her ocean-front house for a long time now, generally featuring plush furniture, a cozy kitchen, and stunning vistas. Even she, though, has outdone herself with her family’s big patio and tranquil setting.

Crawford’s outside space includes a wide patio and pool area with views of the sea, which she has furnished to ensure she can fully enjoy its benefits. The space has plenty of soft chairs and places to put your feet up, but the best part is the model’s outdoor daybed, which she positioned right in the center of the patio, no doubt, to guarantee that everyone resting on it got the most sun and comfort.

Cindy Crawford lying on her outdoor bed

Having an Outdoor Bed Is Great for Natural Sleep

Crawford’s rendition makes a compelling case for eventually biting the bullet and installing an outdoor bed in your backyard if you’ve never considered it before. It not only has a surprisingly luxurious look, but it also provides you (or your guests) with an ultra-calming area to take a natural sleep, something that is difficult to do from a conventional teak chair. Furthermore, some are large enough to accommodate several people, which means less time spent carrying chairs outside for your next BBQ and more places for your visitors to sit and rest.

Add a Pool!

The only way to enjoy some outdoor daybed time is to visit a fancy pool. These cozy pieces, as Crawford has proved, are now appropriate on any patio, lawn, or balcony.