8+ Greatest Chili Bean Substitutes

Your hot chili meal would be incomplete without beans. This high-protein snack may transform your chili from ordinary to divine. If you’re seeking for the greatest bean alternative for chili or chili con carne, go no further.

Beans have grown from a wild vine in Central America to one of the most important and adaptable crops. Many types are grown in several places, each with its own particular appearance, texture, and flavor. Apart from being an excellent accompaniment to meals, they are also delicious when made and consumed on their own.

If you think you can only make chili using beans, you’re mistaken. There are several excellent bean replacements for chili, which we will discuss more as you read on.

Best Chili Bean Substitute Options

1. Lentils / Split Peas

4 cups of any in a big pot of chili for as long as necessary. Any of these choices will suffice as a substitute for chili beans that cooks quicker. Lentils are native to the Mediterranean region, whereas split peas are native to Southwestern Asia, however the two may be used interchangeably. You simply need to prepare three dishes.

Another alternative is to boil them ahead of time and then add the chili at the end. Nevertheless, if you’re attempting to cut down on carbs, they may not be the ideal choice. Although though they are simpler to digest than beans, they nevertheless contain phytic acid.

2. Tofu

Tofu is a great bean alternative for chili that will elevate your recipe. This dish originally appears in Chinese Han around 2000 years ago, during the reign of Prince Liu An. Later, during the Nara era, it was transported to Japan, where it is still a popular dish.

Since tofu has no flavor of its own, it enhances the flavors of the other components in chili. It’s also fantastic since it contains less carbohydrates than other bean replacements. Tofu, on the other hand, may be difficult to stomach if you have difficulty digesting beans.

3. Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)

TVP is the finest chili bean alternative if you want a meat-like texture. The mean was invented in the 1960s by Archer Daniels Midland, a food manufacturing corporation. They generated this by eliminating the lipids from soy flour, resulting in a high protein, low-fat food.

It has a disadvantage despite being a wonderful alternative when you don’t have beans. It includes phytate, which makes it difficult to digest, like most alternatives. Avoid this choice if you are uncomfortable or unable to digest beans after eating.

4. Tempeh

Tempeh is another excellent choice for bringing out the best in your chili. While it is similar to tofu, it is Indonesian in origin. Surprisingly, the dish was found by accident when the byproducts of tofu production began fermenting.

You may want to use them instead of beans since they are simpler to digest and healthier. Break the whole pack into little pieces and add to your meal when you’re nearly through cooking. The main difference is that they contain carbohydrates due to the presence of whole soybeans.

5. Gluten-Free Grains

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, these grains are your best bet. These include rice, sorghum, amaranth, and quinoa, all of which are popular in many nations. Several of these grains provide more protein and less phytate than legumes, making them a healthier choice.

They are simpler to digest than beans since they have lower phytate levels. Nevertheless, some individuals have difficulty digesting wheat, so determine whether this is a viable option before attempting it. You may add them after you’ve finished cooking, or you could cook them in your chili for added taste.

6. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is the most nutritious chili bean replacement. Originally cultivated in Asia, they gained popularity in the 1500s. They first appeared in the United States in the 1990s, before spreading to other countries.

To use, steam the whole head, slice it into smaller pieces, and add to your chili. Florets should be added for a thicker consistency. This will result in a healthful, easy-to-digest dinner with less carbs and more vitamins.

7. Nuts

Want to boost the taste of your chili? Include some nuts. For as long as anybody can remember, nuts have been a staple of the human diet.

You won’t have the same texture and flavor as beans, but you will have something unique. With their high protein content, you won’t be sorry if you add them to your chili after it’s completed cooking. Sunflower seeds are a cheaper alternative to cashews and walnuts.

8. Portobello Mushrooms 

Portobello mushroom’s meaty texture makes it a great substitute for chili beans. The French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort discovered portobello mushrooms in 1708. They gained popular after being marketed as healthy food and are now regularly used in meals.

Portobello mushrooms meet all of the requirements for a bean substitute: minimal carbohydrates and simple digestion. Just slice them as desired, add your chili, and bring to a boil. Make sure there is enough of water available since these mushrooms eat a lot of fluids.

Conclusion

Whether you don’t have any beans or are seeking for a healthy replacement, this list has everything you need. Before examining other possibilities, beef is one of the most typical chili bean alternatives. But, if you want something healthy, cauliflower is a good option.