Veggie Chilli

[couldtryharder]

I've made a veggie chilli for some veggie friends who are coming for bonfire night and it tastes ok, but just ok. It's a bit kind of beans and lentils in a chilli tomato sauce type thing, but it's got no real depth of flavour to it. Was thinking that I need veg stock cube in it? Some red wine? Mushroom ketchup? Marmite? Needs a bit of umami but without meat how do I get it? Don't do an awful lot of veggie cooking so am a bit lost. Any help gratefully received.

vegetarian gravy granules

Nigella's recipe (made with lentils) has cocoa powder in it. It tastes divine.

agree - teaspoon of cocoa, a pinch of cinnamon and some cumin.

Make sure it has adequate salt and stir in some freshly chopped coriander leaves at the end. Adds the piquancy you're missing.

Yes to chocolate or cocoa. I big squeeze of lime juice is good too.

A not I.

Yes to lots of fresh coriander too. if it tastes too tomatoey, a pinch of sugar can soften it.

Thanks wise vegetable cooking ladies. Chocolate it is then. I'm guessing 70% not Dairymilk

Smoked paprika and a teaspoon of cocoa powder will do the trick.