Plant-Based Hawaiian Style Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy, vegan twist on this classic Hawaiian style comfort dish, this Plant-Based Hawaiian-Style Chili is a must-try. This hearty chili draws inspiration from Hawaiian flavors, replacing the Portuguese sausage found in traditional recipes with seasoned tofu crumbles, a plant-based substitute that still brings that warm, smoky essence to each bite. Serve this vegan Hawaiian chili over sticky white rice, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Perfect for chilly fall evenings or as an easy plant-based meal prep option, this recipe brings together the richness of paprika, garlic, onions, and kidney beans for a nourishing and protein-packed dish. Hawaiian cuisine is celebrated for its blend of diverse flavors, and this vegan-friendly chili offers a taste of island-inspired comfort without any meat or dairy, making it suitable for everyone’s dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Hawaiian Chili

• Easy plant-based recipe ideal for busy weeknights
• Packed with plant-based protein from tofu and kidney beans
• Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and filled with wholesome ingredients
• Flavorful and satisfying for any chilly day, especially in the fall or winter

This healthy fall recipe is also adaptable; you can add in more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrients. It’s simple to customize and a perfect introduction to plant-based Hawaiian recipes for anyone wanting to explore more diverse flavors while maintaining a vegan comfort food focus.

Plant-Based Hawaiian Chili and Rice

The perfect smoky plant-based chili comfort food!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8 people

Equipment

• 1 Rice Cooker

Ingredients

Portuguese Tofu Crumbles

• 2 lb extra firm tofu
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Chili

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 4 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 2 tsp cumin seeds, ground
• diced sweet onion for garnish or green onions
• 2.5 cups short grain white rice

Instructions

• Prepare the Tofu: Crumble the tofu into a mixing bowl, season the crumbled tofu with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This blend recreates the smoky, umami-rich flavor profile of traditional Portuguese sausage, making it a great meat substitute in this vegan Hawaiian chili.
• Cook the Tofu: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the tofu. Cook until golden and slightly crispy, stirring occasionally about 8-10 minutes, then set aside. This step ensures the tofu has a rich, textured base that mimics the heartiness of sausage.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the tofu back into the pot along with the kidney beans, tomatoes and seasonings. Stir everything to combine, and bring it to a gentle boil.
• Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a robust, flavorful vegan chili.
• Cook Rice: In a rice cooker or pot, cook short grain white rice following instructions on package.
• Serve: Ladle the chili over bowls of sticky white rice. It's not traditional, but if you prefer you can garnish with diced sweet onions or green onions, to add some color. Enjoy!

Video

Tips for Serving + Storage

• Storage: This chili is an excellent meal prep recipe and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve it with short grain white rice for a traditional Hawaiian meal or with crusty bread and a simple side salad.

By using tofu as a protein and flavor-packed seasonings, this easy vegan Hawaiian chili recipe offers the perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and warmth. This plant-based Hawaiian chili is a warming, flavorful meal that’s perfect for fall and winter. It’s a great introduction to plant-based cooking that both seasoned vegans and newcomers alike can enjoy, bringing a little taste of the islands to your table.