Vegan vegetable chili in a pressure cooker

Rich, spicy, and smooth, perfect to let rest and get even better the next day

Ingredients (4–6 servings)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced small
• 1 green bell pepper, diced small
• 1 large carrot, Brunoise
• 1 small zucchini, diced (optional but highly recommended)
• 400 g natural crushed tomato
• 400 g cooked red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 200 g pardina lentils (dry, washed)
• 750 ml hot vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Spices and seasonings
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½–1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation (pressure cooker)

Base sauté

1. Open the pressure cooker without its lid, add the oil, and sauté the onion over medium heat with a pinch of salt for 5–6 minutes, until it is translucent and starts to caramelize slightly.
2. Add the garlic, stir for 30 seconds, then add the peppers and carrot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring, until everything is fragrant and well combined.

Spices: the key moment

1. Add all the spices (cumin, paprikas, oregano, chili) and the bay leaf. Stir for 20–30 seconds, just enough to activate them without burning. This step is essential for a deep, flavorful chili.

Tomato and legumes

1. Add the crushed tomato and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to lose excess water and concentrate.
   Add the dry lentils, chickpeas, and beans. Mix well so they absorb the sauté.

Pressure cooker cooking

1. Pour in the hot stock, adjust salt and pepper, stir, and close the pressure cooker.
2. Once it reaches pressure, lower the heat and cook for 12 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

Final adjustment

1. Open the cooker, check the texture: it should be thick but juicy. If you want it denser, let it simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes.
2. Adjust salt, add a touch of sweetness if needed, and finish with lime or lemon juice.