Vegetarian chili is rich and hearty thanks to plenty of veggies, beans, tomatoes, and spices. This comforting dinner is ready to eat in just 40 minutes.
In a large stockpot, on medium-high heat, sauté the onions, red bell pepper, and garlic in the olive oil for 5 minutes or until tender.
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Mix to coat all the vegetables in the spices and sauté for another minute.
Add the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, corn, Rotel tomatoes, drained kidney beans, drained black beans, and the chili beans with sauce to the stockpot. Stir to combine.
Bring the vegetarian chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
Once the chili has cooked, remove the bay leaf and turn off the heat.
Remove 1 cup of the chili and puree it on medium speed in a blender, or food processor, until creamy and smooth making sure to follow your blender's instructions for blending hot liquids. Add the pureed chili back into the pot and stir to incorporate it fully. This makes your chili rich and thick. You can omit this step if desired.