Chili Sin Carne (Chilli Non Carne)

5 from 1 vote

A warming, hearty, healthy and super tasty Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne recipe.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: people

Calories: 484kcal

Author: Helen

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
2 scotch bonnet chillies seeds and membranes removed and finely chopped (Note 1)
2 medium red bell peppers chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 400g (14oz) cans chopped tomatoes
250 ml or 1 cup water
½ 400g (14oz) can black beans Drained weight 120g or 4oz (Note 2)
½ 400g (14oz) can pinto beans Drained weight 120g or 4oz
¼ tsp sea salt
½ lime (juice)

Heat the oven to 200°C or 400°F.
Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into cubes that are roughly 1.5cm x 1.5cm.
Add them to a baking dish and pour on olive oil and season with cumin, paprika, sea salt and cayenne pepper (if using). Incorporate the olive oil and seasoning with your hands until it is evenly distributed.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway

Meanwhile, place a pan or Dutch Oven on a medium heat, add olive oil, onions and the scotch bonnet chillis and fry them for 5 minutes.
Add the red peppers, cumin and paprika and fry for another 5 minutes.
Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes
Pour the chopped tomatoes and water into the pan, adjust the heat until the sauce starts to simmer and leave the sauce to reduce for 20 minutes
Stir in the pinto beans, black beans and roast sweet potato to the pan and simmer for 10 more minutes
Add the lime juice and sea salt to taste.
Add half of the chilli to a food processor and puree quickly. You want to do this until the chunks are removed, but not so the mixture is completely smooth. You can also use a potato masher. Skip this step if you prefer a chunky chilli.
Serve and enjoy

Scotch bonnet chillies: You can substitute scotch bonnets for 2 normal red chillis or chilli powder (to taste)
Pinto and black beans: You can freeze any leftover black and pinto beans. Wash them first and place in an airtight container and have them on-hand in your freezer when you come to make your next batch of chilli. You can use one type of bean if you prefer or substitute for a different type of bean. Just make sure the volume is the same.
Air fryer instructions: Heat your air fryer to 200C or 390F, add the chopped and seasoned sweet potato and cook for 10 minutes. Then shake the basket and cook for 5 minutes more.