Texas Chili (No Meat)

🥘 Ingredients

• ancho chiles 2
• guajillo chiles 2
• chile de árbol 4-5
• jalapeño 1
• garlic cloves 3
• whole tomatoes 2
• water
• brown sugar 2 tbsp
• apple cider vinegar ¼ cup
• granulated onion 1 tbsp
• granulated garlic 1 tbsp
• smoked paprika 1 tsp
• chili powder 1 tsp
• cacao powder 2 tbsp
• ground cumin 2 tbsp
• dried oregano 1 tbsp
• bay leaves 2
• salt
• black pepper
• neutral oil
• extra-firm tofu 2 lb
• tempeh 8 oz
• king oyster mushrooms 2
• salt
• black pepper
• tomato paste 3-4 tbsp
• neutral oil
• onions 2
• pinto beans 1 can
• kidney beans 1 can
• black beans 1 can
• vegetable broth 1 quart
• salt
• black pepper
• masa
• water
• diced onion
• jalapeño
• serrano peppers
• unsweetened yogurt
• tortillas
• Fritos

Make the chile base

1. 1

   Toast ancho chiles , guajillo chiles , chile de árbol , jalapeño , garlic cloves , and whole tomatoes 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 , and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside as &chile base.

Spice Prep

1. 1

   Mix the first spice stage: Combine granulated onion , granulated garlic , smoked paprika , and chili powder . Set aside as &first spice stage.
2. 2

   Mix the second spice stage: Combine cacao powder , ground cumin , dried oregano , bay leaves , salt , and black pepper . Set aside as &second spice stage.
3. 3

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

Build the chili

1. 1

   Heat more neutral oil in a large pot. Add onions 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 , kidney beans , black beans , and vegetable broth . Bring to a simmer.

Finish

1. 1

   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 .
2. 2

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