If you want something to serve with your chili, look no further. In this article, I list 5 of the most popular vegetables that pair well with chili.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best vegetables to serve with chili are corn on the cob, roasted bell peppers, steamed broccoli, zucchini fritters, and coleslaw. If you’re looking for something more filling and substantial, brown rice is also an excellent accompaniment.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob goes wonderfully well with chili because it’s sweet and crunchy – just what any bowl of hot chili needs! And it couldn’t be easier to prepare too: all you need to do is boil or steam it for 5-10 minutes until tender.
If you like, you can always dress up your corn with butter or a sprinkling of cheese after cooking – both will add delicious flavor and texture!
Roasted bell peppers
Adding some fire-roasted bell peppers will not only make your chili prettier but will also add sweetness and smokiness, which pairs nicely with the spiciness of chili.
To prepare them, cut them into slices before placing them onto a roasting tray or oven-safe skillet in one layer; bake at 425 F/220 C for 20- 25 minutes, and they should turn out perfectly!
You can also ease back on roasting time if neither charred nor soggy skins appeal to you – keep an eye on them while they’re in there!
Steamed broccoli
With its pale green color and earthy taste, steamed broccoli can provide welcome relief from heavily seasoned dishes such as chili con carne by cutting through all the heat with its natural sweetness and crunchiness.
Best results come from steaming rather than boiling, so plonk the florets into a pan filled with a ¼ inch of water; cover it up with a lid and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until nice and tender but still crisp enough!
When done eating, let rest for about 5 minutes till crispy again before serving as a side dish.
Zucchini Fritters
A cross between falafel balls and veggie burgers, These babies are full of freshness and flavor. They also make an ideal partner when served up alongside hearty chills con carne or BBQ dishes like pulled pork sandwiches—they only require a few ingredients, which are easy and store-friendly!
With 20 mins overall time spent over stovetop frying, effortless enough to whip together even at last-minute notice!