---
title: Texas Chili (No Meat)
source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-92sYzA75A
author: Derek Sarno
servings: 6
---

== Make the chile base

Toast @ancho chiles{2}, @guajillo chiles{2}, @chile de árbol{4-5}, @jalapeño{1}, @garlic cloves{3}, and @whole tomatoes{2} in a dry pan until fragrant and lightly blistered.
Remove stems and most seeds from the dried chiles.
Cover with boiling @water{} and soak for ~{15%minutes}. Drain and discard the soaking liquid.
Blend the soaked chiles, tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, @brown sugar{2%tbsp}, and @apple cider vinegar{1/4%cup} until smooth. Set aside as &chile base.

== Spice Prep

Mix the first spice stage:
Combine @granulated onion{1%tbsp}, @granulated garlic{1%tbsp}, @smoked paprika{1%tsp}, and @chili powder{1%tsp}. Set aside as &first spice stage.

Mix the second spice stage:
Combine @cacao powder{2%tbsp}, @ground cumin{2%tbsp}, @dried oregano{1%tbsp}, @bay leaves{2}, @salt{}, and @black pepper{}. Set aside as &second spice stage.

Brown the proteins:
Heat some @neutral oil{} in a wide pan.
Add @extra-firm tofu{2%lb}, @tempeh{8%oz}, and @king oyster mushrooms{2}.
Cook until moisture has evaporated and the edges are browned.
Season lightly with @salt{} and @black pepper{}.
Push everything aside and add @tomato paste{3-4%tbsp} to the center of the pan. Fry until dark and caramelized.
Stir to coat everything and reserve as &browned proteins.

== Build the chili

Heat more @neutral oil{} in a large pot.
Add @onions{2} and cook until translucent.
Add &first spice stage and bloom briefly.
Add &browned proteins and stir to combine.
Add &chile base and mix well.
Add @pinto beans{1%can}, @kidney beans{1%can}, @black beans{1%can}, and @vegetable broth{1%quart}.
Bring to a simmer.

== Finish

Simmer gently for ~{30%minutes}, stirring occasionally.
Add &second spice stage.
Simmer for another ~{30%minutes} until thick and deeply flavored.
Taste and adjust with @salt{} and @black pepper{}.
If needed, thicken with a little @masa{} mixed with @water{}.

Serve hot with @diced onion{}, @jalapeño{}, @serrano peppers{}, @unsweetened yogurt{}, @tortillas{}, or @Fritos{}.