“No-Tomato” Veggie Chili

“No-Tomato” Veggie Chili: A Comforting Anti-Inflammatory Bowl Without the Nightshades

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili—especially when the weather calls for comfort food. But if you’re someone who reacts to nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, or chili powder, traditional chili recipes might leave you bloated, achy, or inflamed. That’s where this “No-Tomato” Veggie Chili comes in.

Rich, flavorful, and deeply nourishing, this chili delivers all the cozy satisfaction of the original—but without any of the ingredients that can trigger inflammation for sensitive systems. Instead, it’s packed with anti-inflammatory veggies, grounding herbs, and nutrient-dense swaps that keep your gut happy, your energy steady, and your body in balance.

Why Skipping Tomatoes Can Be a Smart Choice for Some

Tomatoes are a staple in many savory dishes, but for individuals dealing with chronic inflammation, autoimmune flares, or gut sensitivity, nightshades can be problematic. While not everyone needs to avoid them, some people experience joint pain, digestive upset, or skin issues from frequent nightshade consumption.

That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite comfort foods. You just need a creative alternative—and that’s exactly what this “No-Tomato” Veggie Chili offers.

How This Chili Calms Inflammation Instead of Fueling It

This isn’t just a tomato-free chili—it’s a healing bowl filled with ingredients specifically chosen for their ability to soothe the gut, calm the immune system, and reduce systemic inflammation. It’s proof that comfort food can also be functional food.

Beets and Carrots
These vibrant root vegetables replace the tomatoes with color, texture, and natural sweetness. Beets are especially rich in betalains—powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that support detoxification and improve blood flow. Carrots provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A, which supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress.

Bone Broth or Veggie Broth
A high-quality broth adds depth to the chili while supporting gut lining repair and immunity. Bone broth, in particular, is rich in collagen, glutamine, and minerals that soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. If you prefer a plant-based version, opt for a mineral-rich homemade vegetable broth.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Their slow-digesting carbs help keep blood sugar stable and provide a gentle, grounding energy. They also contain magnesium—a mineral many people are deficient in, and one that plays a key role in calming inflammation.

Zucchini and Celery
These low-inflammatory veggies are hydrating, easy to digest, and add bulk and texture to the dish. Zucchini is a great source of vitamin C and manganese, while celery offers natural electrolytes and compounds that support liver detox and reduce water retention.

Turmeric, Ginger, and Garlic
This trio of healing spices is the backbone of any anti-inflammatory recipe. Turmeric contains curcumin, a well-known inflammation-fighter. Ginger soothes the gut and supports circulation, and garlic offers immune-boosting, antimicrobial benefits.

Ground Beef, Turkey, or Lentils (Optional)
For added protein, you can include grass-fed ground beef, ground turkey, or legumes like lentils if they work for your body. Protein is essential for cellular repair and can help make the meal more satisfying and balanced.

How to Make “No-Tomato” Veggie Chili

This chili comes together with simple ingredients, but it delivers on richness, comfort, and nourishment. It’s perfect for batch cooking and gets even better the next day.

“No-Tomato” Veggie Chili

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 small beet peeled and grated
• 2 carrots peeled and diced
• 1 small sweet potato peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 1 zucchini chopped
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
• 3 cups bone broth or vegetable broth
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 lb ground turkey or grass-fed beef or 1 cup cooked lentils
• Optional: Fresh cilantro avocado slices, or coconut yogurt for topping

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
• Add sweet potato, carrots, zucchini, and beets. Stir to coat in oil and cook for 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in turmeric, ginger, and herbs. Cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
• Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
• If using meat, brown it in a separate skillet, then add it to the pot. If using lentils, stir them in at this point.
• Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until all veggies are tender and flavors are well blended.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado, chopped herbs, or a spoonful of coconut yogurt for creaminess.

Why This Chili Feeds Your Body Without Flaring It Up

This chili checks all the boxes when it comes to anti-inflammatory support:

• Fiber-rich from root veggies and zucchini, which support detox and feed good gut bacteria 
• Deeply nourishing with antioxidant-rich vegetables and healing spices 
• Stable energy thanks to slow-digesting carbs and healthy fats 
• Immune-supporting with garlic, broth, and warming herbs 
• Comforting and satisfying, so you don’t feel like you’re “missing out” on anything 

It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without dragging you down—no heaviness, no crash, just warm, grounded energy and a calm belly.

Make It Your Own

• Add chopped kale or spinach toward the end for a leafy green boost 
• Use parsnips or turnips instead of sweet potatoes for variety 
• Try it in a slow cooker for an even easier meal prep day 
• Top with hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds for texture and a hit of zinc and magnesium 
• Stir in coconut milk for a creamier variation and added healthy fat 

Healing Food Should Feel Like a Hug

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to eat in a way that supports your health. This “No-Tomato” Veggie Chili brings warmth, richness, and deep satisfaction to the table—without the common triggers that can quietly throw your system out of balance.

It’s food that respects your body’s boundaries. It’s a bowl full of nourishment, intention, and flavor.

So the next time you’re craving something cozy that also supports your healing, ladle out a big bowl of this chili. Let the spices warm you, let the veggies ground you, and let every bite remind you that food is medicine—and it can taste amazing.