Vegan Frito Pie Recipe

By
J. Kenji López-Alt
Kenji Lopez Alt
J. Kenji López-Alt
Culinary Consultant
Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.
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Updated Aug. 30, 2018
Vegan Frito pie
J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

Rather than layering the chili with extra fat, I add a bunch of pickled onions and jalapeños to add an acidic bite that adds complexity and balance to the dish. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a scattering of sliced scallions, and a squeeze of lime all add freshness.

Note: This recipe makes more pickled red onions than you need. Store leftover pickled red onions in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two months. You can use any vegetarian chili recipe you'd like, such as Vegetarian Chili with Porter and Chipotle, or Vegan Sweet Potato and 2-Bean Chili with Hominy.

Recipe Facts

5

(1)

Active: 10 mins
Total: 10 mins
Serves: 1 serving

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rice wine or distilled white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegan sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • One (2 7/8 ounce bag) Fritos
  • 1 cup leftover vegan or vegetarian chili, heated
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional
  • 1 or 2 sliced scallions (optional)
  • 1 lime wedge (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add jalapeño and red onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions have lightly softened and are translucent and jalapeños have become dirty green, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

  2. Carefully slit open the front of the Frito's bag with a knife or kitchen shears and pull sides apart. Place bag with opening facing up in a bowl. Add half of chili and stir to combine. Top with remaining chili. Garnish with pickled onions and jalapeño rings, sliced avocado, cilantro, and scallions if desired. Allow to sit until softened to desired texture and eat with lime wedge (if desired).

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