Easy Vegetarian Chili

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Heather Reseck

Belief Bakery #20

This recipe was published in Guide magazine’s September 14, 2024 issue, a weekly publication for children ages 10-14. It is number 20 in a series of 28 installments called “Belief Bakery,” which uses hands-on cooking projects to illustrate the 28 fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists.

This project is in collaboration with my husband, Greg Reseck, a retired educator specializing in project-based learning.

We emphasize the love of God and Biblical concepts and tie them into fun cooking projects with healthy plant-based recipes.

The Gift of The Sabbath

Gifts make us feel special.  Gifts bring us joy. And that is exactly what God intended when He gave us the gift of the Sabbath.  It was designed as a day to appreciate both creation and salvation. It’s also a day to fellowship with family and friends and to grow your friendship with God. 

The Bible Sabbath–mentioned in Genesis 2:2,3, the fourth commandment in Exodus 20:8-11, and elsewhere–gives us a full 24-hour period of rest. It starts at sundown on Friday night and continues until sundown on Saturday night. (That means you don’t have to do homework or clean your room during that time.)

On Sabbath, we still need to eat. You can help make the Sabbath more restful by preparing food ahead of time as much as possible. Then all you need to do is reheat it and enjoy. 

Having traditions makes the Sabbath more special. See what you can do to help your family celebrate the gift of the Sabbath. It could be eating special foods, listening to inspirational music, or reading together. Our family’s Friday night tradition includes a tablecloth on the table, lighting candles, and eating haystacks. 

This cooking project is an easy chili recipe for you to make. It tastes better the next day, so it’s good for making ahead. You can use the chili for making haystacks, a delicious Seventh-day Adventist tradition.  

Easy Vegetarian Chili

Adult supervision is recommended for inexperienced junior chefs.

Before you begin

1. Read through the recipe, variations, and tips.
2. Arrange to buy any ingredients that you need.

Steps to get ready to cook

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Gather the equipment.
3. Gather the ingredients.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Liquid measure
• Can opener
• Colander
• Spoon for stirring
• Medium saucepan (about 3-4 quart)

Ingredients

• 3 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans
• 1½ cups water  
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons mild chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons paprika 
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander, optional 

Instructions

1. Place a colander in the sink. Open the cans of beans and pour them into the colander.
2. Rinse thoroughly and drain. 
3. Transfer the beans to a medium saucepan. 
4. Stir in water, tomato sauce, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and coriander, if using. 
5. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts boiling.
6. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-30 minutes. 
7. Add more water if needed.
8. Serve. See serving ideas. 
9. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 6 months.

Variations

• Easy Black Bean Chili: Substitute black beans for pinto beans. 
• Easy Chili with Tomatoes: Add 1 (14½-ounce) can of diced tomatoes. Decrease water to 1 cup. 

Tip

• For better flavor, simmer for 30 minutes or make chili a day ahead.

Serving Ideas

• Haystacks (Layered Taco Salad): Place ingredients in separate bowls: tortilla chips, chili, shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, sliced olives, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream (dairy or non-dairy). Let each person build their haystack. 
• Beans and Rice: Serve chili over brown rice. Top with sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with a green salad.
• Burrito Bowl: Place cooked brown rice in a bowl. Top with chili, and cooked, roasted, or fresh vegetables. Top with salsa and guacamole.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over a baked potato. Top with steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. Serve with a green salad.
• Soft Tacos: Drain chili and mash. Spread on warm corn tortillas. Top with shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, guacamole, and salsa. 
• Bean Burritos: Drain chili and mash. Serve in flour tortillas with onions, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Serve with raw vegetables.

Health Bite

Another kind of rest is important for a healthy body: a nightly rest. Sleep helps your body repair, grow, and recharge for the next day. It improves concentration, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Aim for 9-10 hours of sleep per night.

Recipe Video