Vegan Chili sin Carne Fritters

Chili sin carne isn't just a recipe for us — it's a feeling. It's been with us since the very start of our vegan journey: reliable, filling, and often the only plant-based option you could find in the cafeteria — or anywhere else, really.

Today we're bringing that good old feeling back to the plate. Just in a completely new form you've probably never eaten before. We've turned chili sin carne into crispy fritters: potatoes, black beans, corn, and vegan mince, seasoned with a nice kick and fried up golden in the pan. Serve them with a refreshing lime dip that balances out the heat beautifully.

How does the chili flavor get into the fritters?

Part of the seasoning magic comes from a chili spread that goes right into the fritter mixture. Tartex actually inspired this whole feature with their Bean Chili Boost spread — part of their new Naturstark range. It's nicely spicy and already brings that chili-and-legume combo along with it. Just like its counterpart, Pea Mint Kick, it's not just made for topping bread — it works just as well in a dip, as a sauce, or in a dressing. We love keeping a few jars around at home, whether it's for a quick sandwich or a pasta sauce.

How spicy are the fritters?

Just like with chili sin carne from the pot, you can easily adjust the heat level of our fritters. With the amounts listed here, we'd describe them as mild to medium-spicy. If you like it hotter, just add more chili flakes. Prefer it milder? Leave the flakes out entirely — the spread already brings plenty of chili flavor on its own.

Can I change the amounts?

Sure! We deliberately chose the quantities so that you'll need exactly one can or package of each ingredient, with nothing left over. If you do end up with extra, we love eating the fritters the next day, or you can freeze them. You can also scale the amounts down if you'd like to make fewer fritters.

I'm not a fan of corn — can I leave it out?

Of course, the recipe works without corn too. Just add a little extra black beans, and the fritters will still hold their nice bite.

Craving more pancake variations?

We got you! Check out our classic vegan potato pancakes with applesauce, our vegan zucchini fritters with whipped feta dip, or our vegan potato pancake casserole. So grab your grater and let's go!