Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Slice the mushrooms. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Mushrooms release a lot of moisture, so cook them for about 10 minutes until they are browned and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Add the Beans and Tomatoes
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Mix everything well to combine.
Pour in the Broth and Add Spices
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the corn kernels. Then, add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the Chili
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld together. The chili should thicken as it cooks.
Adjust Seasonings
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges. Serve hot with your favorite sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice.
