Whether you are looking for a great Meatless Monday main dish recipe or just a healthy Instant Pot recipe, this Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili fills the bill. A spin on white chili, this easy chili recipe is fast and delicious.
Using an Instant Pot is an easy way to make chili. Not only is it faster but the flavors blend together perfectly. This delicious chili is full of healthy ingredients that are easy to find at the store. The cooking time is fast but also you don't need to stir or pay attention.
If you don't love spicy food don't worry, this Instant Pot veggie chili is 'just right'. You can add some more spicy flavor if desired but it's not overly hot to start with.
You'll love this light Instant Pot vegan chili, it's hearty and satisfying. Try our Instant Pot White Bean Turkey Chili and Turkey Pumpkin Chili recipes too.
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Why you'll love this recipe!
- It's hearty, filling and satisfying without being laden with loads of calories
- Wholesome ingredients
- Tastes even better the next day
- No sauté cycle
What makes this skinny?
- Using plant protein in the form of beans cuts animal fat calories found in most traditional chili recipes.
- No oil or sautéing.
- A healthy portion of vegetables in every serving.
Recipe Ingredients Notes
Jalapeno pepper. Jalapeno peppers can vary in heat considerably. To reduce the spiciness remove the seeds before chopping.
Onion. We used yellow onion but white onion can also be used.
Corn. Frozen corn or drained canned corn can be used.
White Beans. The recipe calls for Cannellini Beans but Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans can be used. You'll need 2 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed.
Mild Green Chilies. Used diced canned green chilies. Unless you are sure you love lots of spicy heat don't use hot green chilies.
Bell peppers. Because this is a white chili version we used yellow bell pepper but any color can be used.
Vegetable stock. Use low sodium vegetable broth or vegetable stock. You'll season to taste when the vegetarian chili recipe is done.
How to Make Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili - Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Combine
Add all the ingredients to the instant pot except for the cilantro: onion, yellow pepper, jalapeno pepper, corn, diced green chilies, garlic, white beans, cumin, chili powder, oregano and vegetable broth (photo 1).
Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to Sealing. Select High Pressure (Manual) for 5 minutes. When cooking completes allow a 5 minute Natural Pressure Release followed by a Manual Release (quick release) for any remaining pressure (photo 2).
STEP 2. Serve
Serve in a bowl garnish with cilantro. Toppings can also be added if desired.
Stovetop Instructions
2. Add all the ingredients to a large stock pot except for the cilantro.
3. Bring to a boil, once boiling reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes.
4. After 25 minutes season to taste.
5. Serve in a bowl garnish with cilantro.
Topping Ideas
The best part of chili can be adding your favorite toppings! Here are some of ours:
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt (we love Chobani brand). If you love sour cream on your chili this is a perfect calorie friendly substitute. Also did you know dairy products are the only thing that will take the spicy heat out of a dish? Though this Instant Pot chili isn't smoldering it's another reason to love this on top.
- Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
- Reduced fat cheddar cheese
- Torn cilantro
- Sliced jalapeno peppers or pickled jalapenos
Variations
Use different beans. The beans suggested in this recipe are in keeping with a white chili. Any types of beans can be used. Try black beans, pinto beans, red kidney beans or other favorite beans. If using canned beans drain and rinse them. If you want to substitute home cooked beans you'll need 3 cups.
Use different bell peppers. To make a more colorful chili consider using green pepper, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper or a mixture.
Chicken broth or stock. If you don't care about keeping the vegetarian chili you can substitute chicken broth or stock. Choose a fat free or low sodium version.
Tomato sauce or tomato paste. If you love a tomato based chili add a can of diced tomatoes or stir in some tomato paste for extra flavor.
Like it spicy or with smoky flavor? Add some chipotle peppers (chilies) and or adobo sauce.
How to Store + Reheat
Store leftovers in a sealed glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in bowls in the microwave or on the stove top in a saucepan.
How to Freeze
This chili freezes well and has great flavor when reheated. Allow to fully cool and store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Recipe
Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 yellow pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned and drained
- 2 cloves garlic diced
- 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 4.5-ounce can diced mild green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
Instant Pot instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the instant pot except for the cilantro.
- Secure the lid and place the pressure release valve in the SEALING position. Select MANUAL HIGH PRESSURE and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is complete allow a 5 minute NATURAL RELEASE. Follow with a MANUAL RELEASE of any remaining pressure.
Stove top instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large stock pot except for the cilantro.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes.
Serving (both methods)
- Serve in a bowl garnish with cilantro and any desired toppings.
Swati says
This was delicious! Light, but filling & just the right amount of heat. My chili came out with a light brown broth, however the photos on the site show a white broth. I followed the recipe exactly, what could account for the difference? Thank you!!
Toni Dash says
Hi Swathi! So glad you enjoyed it. I think what you are seeing has to do with the lighting when the photos were taken. I remember this to have a fleshy colored broth which sounds like yours.
Andrea Thueson says
This chili was such a great meal. It was hearty and delicious and super filling.
Kristyn says
The beans make it nice & hearty & there is so much flavor!! Not missing the meat at all!
Taylor says
This was SO easy and SO delicious! The beans make it super hearty and the flavor from the spices, jalapeno and green chiles is amazing. Definitely making again!
Shadi says
This was amazing and such a treat! Thank you!
Heidy says
This Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili was off the chain good! I loved all the flavors and can't wait to make it again.
Sharon says
I made this for dinner tonight. It was delicious! I love that it’s lighter than regular beef chili.
Marisa Franca says
This vegetarian chili was so good. I made it yesterday and I'm going to be enjoying it over the next few days. I'm so glad that I found this recipe. I'm trying to cut out some meat but I hate cutting out the taste. The flavor is excellent. I love the spices in it. Great recipe.
Dannii says
What a hearty and delicious chilli. Total comfort food.