Mexican-inspired vegan chilli (chilli sin carne)

Ever since I tried Mexican food on my first trip to the United States back in the 90s, I’ve loved it. At the time, it seemed exotic – there was nowhere in the UK that I knew of which served authentic Mexican fare.

It was only much later, as a student in central London, that I discovered a Mexican restaurant: Cafe Pacifico in Covent Garden. For a while, this was the only place where I could experience some of the same flavours that I had encountered on those trips to the USA.

Founded in 1982 as the first Mexican restaurant in the UK, I’m really glad to see it’s still going strong. I often make a special visit when I’m back in the capital for some fajitas washed down with a margarita or maybe even a tequila!

Of course, these days, Mexican food is on virtually every high street – ranging from fast food to fine dining. But there’s nothing like learning to make it for yourself and customising it with the flavours you enjoy most. And now that I’m mostly vegan, doing it myself is a great way to enjoy real Mexican flavours with a 100% plant base.

This recipe for a vegan Mexican chilli (or a chili sin carne) is really simple, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your store cupboard already. I like to pair it with wild rice just for variety, but simple steamed white rice works just as well. Or go crazy and make Mexican rice (recipe to come!).

I like making this in a large saucepan so that there’s plenty leftover. It’s ideal for lunches, or meal prep, and the basic recipe can be adapted into many different variants – you can put it into tortilla wraps to make a burrito, serve it with nachos or as a filling for enchiladas.

You can also vary the ingredients. The only rule that I like to follow is that there must be some protein, so beans or some vegan mince are a must. I prefer to go traditional and use kidney beans because they hold their shape whilst simmering.

So read on to find out just how to make a vegan Mexican chilli!

Do you love Mexican food? If you’ve tried this recipe, and have your own suggestions, please drop a comment below!