Chemist in the Kitchen: 30-Min Plant-Based Chili for Comfort & Energy
- Dr. Chelsea Anorma
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 19
You’ve been juggling work, family, and a never-ending to-do list—and now it’s 6:42 p.m. The kids are hungry, you're running on fumes, and the last thing you want to hear is “What’s for dinner?” again.
If that feels familiar, you’re not alone. I’m often right there too—with two little ones tugging at my pant legs and the clock ticking louder by the second. It’s in these moments—where time is tight and multitasking is a must—that I reach for meals like this one.
That’s exactly why I’m starting the Chemist in the Kitchen blog series. As a nutrition coach, chemist, and busy mom, I’ve had to get creative in the kitchen—fast. I’ve learned how to apply my science brain to whip up meals that are not only nutrient-packed, but doable in real life. This chili is one of those recipes: busy-mom tested, flavor-packed, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s comforting, energizing, and stress-free to make—just what your body and your schedule need.
🥣 Food Is Meant to Be Enjoyed—Not Feared
Let’s start with this: you don’t need to be perfect to be healthy. You don’t need to memorize every nutrient, count every calorie, or give up your favorite foods to feel energized and well.
This chili? It’s not some miracle “superfood” cleanse. It’s just real food—made with real life in mind.
Each ingredient was chosen with your well-being in mind:
TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) for a hearty, meat-like texture and a boost of complete plant-based protein. Made from soy, TVP contains all nine essential amino acids—making it a powerful option for those reducing or replacing animal protein.
Beans for fiber and plant-based protein that support digestion and help you feel full longer.
Tomatoes and peppers for vitamin C, lycopene, and a boost to your immune system.
Spices like cumin and chili powder that bring anti-inflammatory benefits and warmth to every bite.
And guess what? It’s delicious. Your taste buds and your body will both be happy.
🌱 Real Nourishment for Real Life
One of the biggest myths I hear is that eating well has to be complicated. It doesn’t.
This chili comes together in under 30 minutes, makes fantastic leftovers, and freezes beautifully.
Tired? Toss everything in one pot.
Short on groceries? Swap in what you’ve got.
Want to meal prep? Double the batch and freeze half.
This recipe isn’t about perfection. It’s about taking one small, nourishing step in the direction of the life—and energy—you deserve.
🍲 Plant-Based TVP Chili Recipe
Ready to give it a try? Here’s the quick and easy recipe you can whip up in 30 minutes or less—even on your busiest evenings.
Ingredients
1 cup Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
2 ½ cups Vegetable Broth, divided
1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
1 tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Tomato Purée
Sea Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Place the TVP in a bowl. Bring 1/3 of the vegetable broth to a boil and pour it over the TVP. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes to rehydrate.
Meanwhile, in a large pot, sauté the onion with a splash of water over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft.
Add the rehydrated TVP and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black beans, tomato purée, and the remaining vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro and your favorite extras like avocado, plant-based sour cream, or hot sauce.
📝 Notes
Meal prep tip: This chili keeps well in the fridge (up to 3 days) and freezes beautifully.
Make it chunkier: For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth.
Serving ideas: Enjoy on its own, or serve over brown rice or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
Low-lift swap: If you're out of broth, hot water with a little garlic powder, onion powder, and salt or liquid aminos works great in a pinch!
🛒 Where to Buy TVP
If you're new to using TVP, don’t worry—it’s affordable and easy to find!
🧡 Here’s the brand I personally use and love (Amazon link)
📍 Shopping in Puerto Rico? Click here for local options
TVP stores well and makes a great pantry staple for quick, protein-packed meals like this one.
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the Amazon link above, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use and trust. Thank you for supporting my work!
📲 Want the Recipe in a Mobile-Friendly Format?
If you're ready to take this recipe with you into the kitchen (or scale it for meal prep!), I’ve created a mobile-friendly recipe collection that includes:
✅ This plant-based TVP chili with full nutrition info
✅ A quick & fluffy pressure cooker brown rice recipe
✅ A refreshing vegan blueberry banana ice cream—no added sugar, no fancy gadgets
👉 Click here to access the free recipe collection. You'll be prompted to enter your name and email, and then you’ll get instant access right in your browser—no waiting. You can even export the recipes as a PDF for easy reference.
By signing up, you’ll also receive our newsletter with more wellness tips, recipes, and real-life support for your health journey.
🕯 A Moment at the Table
In the rhythm of daily life, meals can become something we rush through. But what if this bowl of chili—simple, warm, nourishing—was more than just fuel?
What if it was a check-in? A reset?
As you stir the pot or sit down to eat, I invite you to pause and gently ask yourself:
Where am I still trying to be perfect… when maybe “good enough” is already healing?
What would it look like to nourish myself with gentleness instead of judgment?
How can I make space—today—for small choices that support the future I want to feel?
You don’t need to journal the answers. Just let them rise. Let them be with you, like a friend at the table.
Because this isn’t just about food—it’s about connection. To your body. To your story. To the life you're rebuilding, one gentle step at a time.
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you—or how you’re creating moments of nourishment in your own busy life.
Got questions about ingredients, substitutions, or how to make this work for your family? I’m here for that too.
✨ Drop a comment below or reach out here if you’d like more support on your wellness journey. You don’t have to do this alone.
Let’s walk together—one step, one meal, one moment at a time.
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