Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Vaishali · This post may contain affiliate links · 63 Comments

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Total time: 7 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Thishealthy, fat-free and sodium-free vegan crock pot chili has beans, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and more. Each serving has 21 g of protein and 15 g of fiber.

Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (1)

This recipe comes from Dr. Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live Cookbook.

Dr. Fuhrman, for those of you who may not know, is a physician who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods. I have long been a fan of Dr. Fuhrman so I was only too happy when I was asked to review the book which is packed with 200 recipes for everything from smoothies to breakfast recipes, dips, salads, soups, main dishes, fast food and desserts. Most recipes are vegan-- in fact, the non-vegan recipe section is separated out at the end of the book so you don't have to go there unless you want to.

But this is not just a cookbook. Dr. Fuhrman includes valuable tips on living a "nutritarian" lifestyle-- a lifestyle that focuses on eating nutrient-rich, natural foods. Nutritarians, he adds, recognize that plant foods have disease preventive, therapeutic and life-extending properties.

Okay, so as vegans you already knew that, but it does feel good to have a doctor confirm it, doesn't it? The book also includes practical tips, like how to pick out the perfect fruit-- something I haven't mastered after years of being an eater and a cook. Do you know, for instance, how to tell the difference between a ripe starfruit and an unripe one?

The book even includes a list of Dr. Fuhrman's top 25 super foods and an Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) score system for many common foods in our diets.

Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (2)

I bookmarked a ton of recipes as I flipped through this book, including Dr. Fuhrman's Famous Anti-Cancer Soup, Lemon Cauliflower Risotto, Quinoa Mango Salad, Goji Berry Walnut Squares with Chocolate Drizzle, and many more, but the first recipe I tried was the Crockpot Mushroom Chili because the recipe had instant appeal in these frigid days of winter. It contains a mix of vegetables and beans and was rich and smoky and absolutely delicious. Even better, it was fat-free and salt-free. A single serving of this chili packs 21 grams of protein and nearly 15 grams of fiber. How amazing is that?

Even Desi, my resident omnivore, loved the chili-- despite the fact that it was healthy. You know how those guys are! This is definitely going to be my go-to book in the new year.

Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (3)

More vegan chili recipes:

  • Vegan White Bean Chili
  • Instant Pot Vegan Chili
  • Vegan Low Carb Keto Chili

Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (4)

No-Oil Vegan Crock Pot Chili Recipe

A healthy, fat-free and sodium-free crock pot chili. This recipe has 21 g of protein and 15 g of fiber in a single serving.

4.94 from 15 votes

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Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Diet: No Added Oil, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 7 hours hrs

Total Time: 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 286kcal

Author: Vaishali · Holy Cow Vegan

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or packaged in BPA-free cartons
  • 3 cups cooked kidney or pinto beans or 2 15-ounce cans low-sodium or no-salt-added kidney beans
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Dash of cayenne pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • Combine all infredients in a crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 2.5g | Fiber: 14.9g

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment and recipe rating below!

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Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (5)

About Vaishali

Hi! I'm Vaishali, a journalist turned food blogger. At Holy Cow Vegan I share easy, tasty recipes made with clean, wholesome ingredients that the entire family can enjoy.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a comment:

  1. Lynn

    Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (6)
    Omigosh. I made this today, & I was worried about the different number of veggies that were in here. I needn't have. It was good. I might add a little salt next time, but I had compliant corn muffins in the freezer, so I thawed a couple, cut them up and put them on the bottom of my bowl (as trained when growing up!) & poured the chili over it. Perfection! I will definitely make this again! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. I love and respect Dr. Fuhrman!

    Reply

  2. Jane Wakefield

    My goal for 2015 is to be as helpful as I can to as many people as possible to help others reach their nutritional goals. As for me I plan on just eating more greens.

    Reply

  3. John Alexander

    I love chili, I love mushrooms, and I'm always looking for vegan versions of traditional dishes. I've been using Gardein with kidney beans, etc., for my recipe, but using mushrooms, which I eat tons of just roasted, is a great idea because I don't think the "fake meat" adds much to the flavor, and it's kind of expensive. What do you think of Gardein's products?
    BTW, you have great blog: great recipes, great attitude, great writing. I'm a big fan!

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Hi John, thanks for your kind words, and welcome to Holy Cow!
      I agree on the fake meat-- it rarely has the right texture to substitute for meat, and is almost always bland. I have used some Gardein products and while they are good enough as vegan substitutes, they too don't have the right texture. And yes, they are expensive which is definitely a consideration for me.
      I often just use TVP chunks when I want a "meaty" texture in stews and curries and when vegetable substitutes like mushrooms or eggplant won't do. They also add a strong protein hit, they are relatively easy to find compared to other meat substitutes, and they are also fairly inexpensive.
      Have a great weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Maddalen

    Just posting once again ... I made this stew this AM with a few slight variations (cranberry beans, basil and much more hot peppers) - it was going to be for dinner, but hubby wanted some ... and he had seconds! SCORE! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Maddalen, your additions sound delicious. Glad you liked it!

      Reply

  5. Maddalen

    Hi Vaishali,
    I am not Indian, but I cook a lot of Indian food. My husband and I just transitioned to Dr. Fuhrman-style eating, mostly to lose weight but also to get healthier. I've been inventing a lot ofIndian-style dishes for our dinners (spicy dhals with lots of greens and some tofu). It is weird not to be creating the seasoned oil, but the food seems to come out nice and tasty. I went looking for some Fuhrman-style recipes (or at least recipes that I can adapt for Fuhrman-style eating) and found your site! I'm really happy I did, and plan to browse it for inspiration and recipes. Thank you!

    • Vaishali

      Hi Maddalen, welcome to Holy Cow! and so happy you found your way here. 🙂 I love the Fuhrman style of eating too and try to follow his GBOMBS guide whenever possible. Hope you find what you need here, and let me know if you have questions!

      Reply

  6. Nancy Rakoczy

    I resolve to cook and eat more vegan for health reasons.

    Reply

  7. Paula Lepler

    This mushroom chili looks great! I am attempting to drink more water and amp up my veggie intake this year, while decreasing "bad" carbs.

    Reply

  8. paula rothman

    to be more patient with others when educating about vegan lifestyle

    Reply

  9. Krithika

    Hi Vaishali,I enjoy reading your posts! My New Year resolution is to incorporate more fruits and veggies into my diet. I recently got myself a Nutribullet and have been using it diligently.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Hi Krithika, great resolution. I have never used the Nutribullet but it sounds like a good tool.

      Reply

  10. Teneko

    Oh my! I came here for the first time today while searching for some dairy-free alternatives for Palak Paneer.
    My NY Resolution? I need to be more strict about being gluten-free. Too often, I sneak in a little something at a restaurant that I know probably has gluten in the sauce and think it won't be a problem...but sadly, it is.
    Hand in hand with that is to take the time to cook more for myself and my fiancé. There is a bag of red lentils in my cupboard begging to be made into dal soup!

    Reply

  11. lavanya

    Hi vaishali
    long time reader . I have enjoyed reading your posts over the years and trying a lot. I have been diagnosed diabetic recently. My goal for 2014 is to make changes in the food andlifestyle so I can try and beat it.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Hi Laavanya, thanks for the comment! I am thrilled you've enjoyed the blog. Good luck with your health. As you likely already know, a vegan diet is highly beneficial for diabetics and I hope you will beat it!

      Reply

  12. Peace

    Have more meaningful conversations.

    Reply

  13. Sunila

    Wishing you and your dear ones a Very Happy Healthy & Peaceful New Year!
    Was browsing through T.S.Eliot 's verses on the last day of 2013 and promptly decided upon his last line..."

    ... And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
    -- T. S. Eliot

    And so I shall , by carving some quality time for - spending more time with family, my reading, volunteer work, & looking at the positive side of life !..

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Sunila, that's lovely. Here's to carving more quality time and looking at the positive side of life! 🙂

      Reply

  14. Twilla Hill

    My resolution is to live a more healthy life and get as many of my family and friends to do the same

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Sounds wonderful, Twilla. Good luck, and hope you get to your goals!

      Reply

  15. One Vegan Fatty

    My resolution is to quit procrastinating and see my projects through to completion!

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      A noble resolution! Good luck, and hope this new year gets you to your goals.

      Reply

  16. Vijaya

    Hi Vaishali!
    Happy new year to you. My new year's resolution is to inspire people around me to lose weight that they have always wanted to (atleast get them started). I lost 85 lbs in 2013 myself 🙂

    Reply

  17. thesingingmama

    My new year resolution is to take it easy and spend more time with my family.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Spending more time with family is on my list too. Happy new year!

      Reply

  18. chitra

    Happy New Year Vaishali! I hope I will watch less TV and read more.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Hi Chitra, I could definitely use that resolution -- watching less TV -- although I don't know if I dare do it. 🙂 I am hopelessly addicted. 🙂 A very happy new year to you.

      Reply

  19. Diana

    My resolution is to cook. more. indian. food! In fact I came to your blog tonight in search of inspiration. Oh how I miss those delicious flavors from my time in India. I love your blog, your chattering and all the delicious recipes you post for us to drool over. I often wish I could be a recipe tester in your kitchen!! Happy New Year Vaishali! ~Diana

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Diana, a very happy new year to you! I would love to have you as a recipe taster in my kitchen, or at the least as a guest for dinner if you ever happen to be in town. Thanks for your kind words!

      Reply

  20. Vaishali

    Hi Vani, those are great resolutions, and ones I have no doubt you will accomplish. I am in awe of anyone who can run a marathon. I plan to post even more gluten-free recipes this year, so stay tuned for those. A very happy new year to you.

    Reply

  21. Anusha

    Your husband is right ..... For me, what truly sets your blog apart is your passionate style of writing, especially about being a vegan. When I receive one of your mails, I run to open it as much for the chatter as for your recipe. You have an unique style of writing that pulls the reader in. I truly enjoy reading your blog. My new year resolution is to be more patient with my kids and lose 20 pounds... Tell me who doesn't want to lose weight? 🙂 😉 Happy new year wishes to you and your family. 🙂 Here is looking forward to a healthy, peaceful and happy 2014 !!! 🙂

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Hi Anusha, thank you for your very kind message-- you made my day. 🙂 I promise to chatter more -- I definitely want to. And yes, who doesn't want to lose weight? I definitely need to. And I could also definitely use some patience in my life. A very happy new year to you and your family.

      Reply

  22. Glait

    To Paint and draw more.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      How lovely. Here's wishing you a 2014 full of beauty and color.

      Reply

  23. Linda

    My apologies if myfirstcomment went through, but it looked like something went wrong. My resolution is to gain control of my health this year. I love your photos as always!

    Reply

  24. Linda

    The chili photos look amazing! I have missed your blog- liked you on Facebook but rarely get updates. I will subscribe again today. My New Years resolution is to gain control of my health again. I was very sick these last two years and handed things over to my doctors who did a great job, but it's time for me to wean off meds and live life with independent joy again;)

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Hi Linda, You sound determined and I know you will do it. here's wishing you a 2014 full of good health and happiness.

      Reply

  25. Jennifer Arent

    My resolution this year is to not participate in self-hatred. I get depressed and get in a downward spiral of binge eating. 2014 is the year I break free of my disorder!

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Jennifer, not participating in self-hatred is a good resolution, and one many of us could adopt. It's certainly going on my list. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply

  26. N

    To be more patient with my kids and to work on better self care:)
    Happy new year!

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      N, Happy new year, and that's a great resolution.

      Reply

  27. Joanne T Ferguson (@mickeydownunder)

    G'day! The recipe and photo look yum and healthy, true!
    Happy New Year! Cheers! Joanne

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Thanks, Joanne, and very happy new year to you.

      Reply

  28. kathy aday

    Your recipies always sound delicious!! My resolution is to keep working out and lose my belly fat.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Thanks, Kathy.

      Reply

  29. Deborah

    I hope to become more active from my sedentary life (had breast cancer last year and can't seem to get going again). Love your blog and following it for years. Don't worry about posting too much chat, what you do for us is very appreciated even without it.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Deborah, kudos to you for getting so far! I have a feeling this new year is going to be really great for you. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words about the blog.

      Reply

  30. Kitty

    I want to exercise more.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Ditto.

      Reply

  31. Ellen Lederman

    I organize the Atlanta Vegan and Healthy Lifestyle Celebration Meetup. I have some members who aren't vegan or even vegetarian. And some of the vegans are far from nutrarians. I resolve to learn a little more about the nutritarian philosophy and techniques to help them make better choices. It's not enough just to say that vegan food is yummy, cruelty-free, and "healthy"----have to really become an expert in this. I've heard of Dr. Fuhrman, but never read any of his books. Would love it and make good use of it!

    Was really scared when I couldn't get on to your site a few minutes ago (looking for the mango quick bread recipe). Glad you are up and running and that I can look forward to your blog for 2104! By the way, your banana cupcake muffins with the peanut butter frosting are great---but I had some frosting left over. You'll never guess how I used it up? Warmed up, as a dip for apple slices. Yum! So I got double mileage out of your recipe.

    Reply

  32. Anonymous

    To maintain a regular meditation practice.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      I've been resolving to start meditating for ever now and never did it. This might be the year. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply

  33. twoveganboys

    Happy New Year. My resolutions are: garden more, make great gf foods for my autistic son, and cherish every moment with my boys, and my husband.

    Reply

  34. twoveganboys

    Happy New Year. My resolutions are: garden more, make more gf eats, and treats for my autistic son, and cherish every moment with my beautiful boys, and husband. -Krys

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Krys, those are great resolutions. Here's wishing you great success, and a very happy 2014 to you, your husband and your boys.

      Reply

  35. Samantha V.

    My New Years Resolution is to get my family on board to eating healthy.

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      Me too!

      Reply

  36. Boiling

    To have less milk and milk products. I am a vegetarian but I am decreasing my dairy intake for health reasons

    Reply

    • Vaishali

      That's wonderful. A happy new year to you!

      Reply

Fat-Free Vegan Crock Pot Chili | Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do I make my chili thicker in a crock pot? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water. No slurry is required for the absorbent oats; simply stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons. In all cases, allow the chili to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more, and you should notice it thicken up.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

How many calories are in vegan chili? ›

We LOVE fixing chili, and this vegan chili recipe is enough for a crowd (or to feed a family for several days). It's easy to make, nutritious, and quite tasty. Each two-cup serving is only 330 calories but packs 16 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber.

What ingredient will thicken chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews.

How do you thicken and darken chili? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix together 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water, stirring well to remove any lumps. Then, stir the slurry into your chili and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully thicken.

How to thicken vegan chili? ›

If you don't have masa harina on hand you can use flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, or puree a can of beans. Just start with a tablespoon of the flour, cornmeal, masa harina, or cornstarch whisked with a little water, add to your chili and simmer 10 more minutes or so.

Does tomato paste make chili thicker? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

What adds depth to chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Is plant based chili good for you? ›

High in Nutrients: One of the main benefits of vegan chili is that it is packed with nutrients. Beans, which are a staple ingredient in vegan chili, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

How many calories are in 2 cups of chili with beans and meat? ›

There are 528 calories in 2 cups of Chili Con Carne with Beans. * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

Is chili with beans high in calories? ›

Chili with beans and meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 23.5g total carbs, 16.3g net carbs, 9.1g fat, 18.2g protein, and 242 calories.

How do you thicken a crock pot recipe? ›

Cornstarch, potato starch, and chickpea flour are a couple of pantry-friendly ways to thicken soups, stews, and sauces in the slow cooker.

What can I add to chili to make it more watery? ›

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.

How to add volume to chili? ›

Vegetables

Veggies like zucchini, corn, potatoes, and onions release starches that soak up excess moisture. Plus, they'll increase the amount of chili and provide additional fiber. How to do it: Add a cup of finely diced veggies of choice OR blend 1 cup of veggies with 1 cup of chili and stir the mixture into the pot.

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