Best Instant Pot Vegan Chili (Oil-free)
This AMAZING Best Instant Pot Vegan Chili (Oil-free) is so easy to make, high plant-based protein, filling, healthy, oil-free and so delicious and meaty! Made with whole foods!
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup (160g) finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon (15g) minced garlic (5 large cloves)
- 4 tablespoons salt-free standard American chili powder (I use and recommend my homemade blend)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon fine salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cups (300g) salt-free tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- two 15oz cans of beans of choice, drained & rinsed (I used 1 can chickpeas and 1 can red kidney beans and felt those worked best for texture)
- 1/2 cup (90g) uncooked white quinoa for high protein OR 2/3 cup (120g) raw buckwheat groats for a more meaty texture
Optional Toppings
- chopped fresh poblano pepper (so delicious on top!)
- Lemon Cream Sauce (the perfect balance to the spiciness)
- fresh cilantro
- red onion
Instructions
- To a small bowl, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and cayenne (if using) and whisk well. Set aside.
- Add 1/4 cup water to the instant pot and press the saute mode for 8 minutes. Cook the red onion for around 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions become brown and caramelized. Lots of flavor! Add tiny amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking.
- Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring often.
- Add the bowl of pre-mixed spices and stir for about 30 seconds to lightly toast the spices and absorb any residual moisture.
- Add the 2 1/2 cups water, tomato sauce, syrup, liquid smoke, beans and quinoa (or buckwheat) and stir well.
- Seal the pot and cook on high pressure by selecting either manual or pressure cook and set the time to 5 minutes. Please note that it takes about 8-10 minutes before the IP will come to pressure and start the actual cooking. It will beep once it begins the 5 minutes cooking. So, keep an eye so you don't overcook.
- After the 5 minutes of cooking, do a manual quick release of any remaining pressure, using a pot cover to protect your hand.
- Give the chili a stir and let it sit around 5 minutes. It will seem a tad thin at first but thickens as it sits. It will thicken some and cool down more to eat.
- Taste and add any more salt if needed. I found 3/4 teaspoon to be absolutely perfect. Add cayenne pepper if more heat is desired. Top with desired toppings. I added vegan chao shredded cheese, fresh jalapenos. The Lemon Cream Sauce is also a wonderful addition to the spicy chili!