The Ultimate Black Bean Chili Hearty Smoky and Ready in a Flash

Recipe Introduction: Cozy Up with My Ultimate Black Bean Chili
Fancy a bowl of something warm and comforting? Ever wondered how to make a black bean chili that's both easy and packed with flavour? I got you! This recipe is my go-to for chilly nights.
Honestly, it's so good, even my picky mate, Dave, asks for seconds. You know, Dave who thinks coriander is the devil's herb? Yeah, that Dave!
A Taste of Tradition, Made Easy: Black Bean Chili
This black bean chili is a modern twist on a classic dish. It’s inspired from the black bean chili recipe.
Chili has roots in the American Southwest. But this version is super simple. Perfect for a weeknight meal. It only takes about 50 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe makes 6-8 servings. That means leftovers! Leftover chili is the best chili, right?
Why You'll Love This Easy Bean Chili Recipe
This black bean chili isn't just tasty. It's good for you too! Black beans are packed with fiber. Fiber keeps you feeling full and happy.
This vegetarian chili recipe is a great source of plant based protein. Looking for vegan sweet potato meals ? Add sweet potatoes for extra goodness.
This hearty vegan chili is perfect for any weeknight chili recipe night. It's also brilliant for game day. Honestly, a smoky black bean chili this good will win over any crowd.
Ready to dive in? Let's gather the ingredients for this quick black bean chili recipe !
Let's Talk Black Bean Chili : Ingredients & Equipment
Right, so you want to make some proper Easy Black Bean Chili ? Good on ya! It's dead simple, and honestly, the Hearty Vegan Chili is perfect for a cold evening when you fancy something comforting.
No need to faff about with loads of stuff.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's the lowdown on what you need. I've made this Easy Bean Chili Recipe so many times, I reckon I could do it with my eyes closed.
.. but don't try that at home!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any decent olive oil will do. Don't need to be fancy.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large (about 1 1/2 cups, or 200g) , chopped. The cornerstone, innit?
- Garlic: 2 cloves (around 2 teaspoons, or 6g) , minced. Go fresh. It matters.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 (about 1 cup, or 150g) , chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness.
- Jalapeno Pepper: 1 (about 1 tablespoon, or 15g) , seeded and minced (optional). For a kick!
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . It's cumin, spice is good.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Can't have chili without chili powder, can we?
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . This is what brings that Smoky Black Bean Chili flavor. Don't skip it!
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). Only if you're feeling brave.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can . Get the good stuff. Makes all the difference.
- Black Beans: 2 (15 ounce/425g) cans , rinsed and drained. Obvious, right?
- Corn: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained. Adds a bit of Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli sweetness.
- Vegetable Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) (or water). Veggie broth adds more flavor, though.
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Brightens it all up at the end.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, my friend.
I tried skipping smoked paprika once. Disaster! The One-Pot Black Bean Chili just wasn't the same. Honestly, the paprika's what brings the magic.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up
This bit's important. Cumin and chili powder are your base. Smoked paprika adds that gorgeous smoky depth, turning your chili into a real Smoky Black Bean Chili .
If you want some heat, cayenne pepper is your friend. Chipotle powder also works wonders. No cayenne? A dash of hot sauce will do in a pinch.
A little brown sugar or molasses can also enhance the flavor. For aromatics, consider bay leaf or smoked salt to turn it into a Quick Black Bean Chili Recipe recipe.
If I'm feeling fancy, I’ll add a tiny bit of cocoa powder. Trust me.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need much for this Vegetarian Chili Recipe . Think of this Weeknight Chili Recipe
- Large pot or Dutch oven. This is key for that One-Pot Black Bean Chili .
- Cutting board and knife. For chopping all those veggies.
- Can opener. Obviously.
- Measuring spoons and cups. For accuracy, but honestly, you can eyeball it most of the time.
Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? No worries! A large stockpot will do just fine. The main thing is you need a good pot to simmer everything together for a proper Quick Black Bean Chili Recipe .
I used to make this Vegetarian Chili Recipe in a tiny flat share with practically no equipment. Still tasted banging! So, don't let lack of fancy gear put you off making this Easy Black Bean Chili .
Cooking Method: My Secret to the Best Black Bean Chili
Honestly, everyone thinks they have the best chili recipe. But I reckon mine's a strong contender! This easy black bean chili recipe is proper comfort food.
Plus, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up... most of the time. Let's dive into how to nail this dish every single time.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro
First, the secret to smooth sailing? Get your act together before you even turn on the hob. Chop your veggies.
Open your tins. You know, essential mise en place . Trust me, a well organised kitchen is a happy kitchen! No more frantically searching for the cumin while the onions burn.
Also, wear an apron. Chilli stains are a nightmare to get out.
step-by-step for Quick Black Bean Chili Recipe
- Sauté your aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Soften chopped onion for 5 minutes . Add minced garlic, bell pepper and jalapeno and cook for 3 minutes .
- Bloom the spices. Add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). Cook for 1 minute , stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Liquid & beans in! Stir in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, two 15-ounce cans of rinsed black beans, one 15-ounce can of corn, and 1 cup vegetable broth.
- Simmer, simmer, simmer. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes , up to 30 minutes .
- Lime Time. Stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve it up! Ladle into bowls and add your favourite toppings.
Pro Tips for a Smoky Black Bean Chili
Want to take your vegetarian chili recipe to the next level? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. It adds a fantastic smoky depth.
And don't be shy with the lime juice at the end. It brightens up the whole thing. My absolute favourite thing to do is add diced sweet potato black bean chilli .
Proper tasty. A really hearty vegan chili
Avoid the common mistake of not simmering long enough. This is a weeknight chili recipe , but trust me, one-pot black bean chili needs time to meld.
The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. You can even make it a day ahead. In fact, chili always tastes better the next day!
So, there you have it. My ultimate easy black bean chili . It's warming, hearty, and totally delicious. Perfect for a chilly evening! It makes a good Vegan sweet potato meals .
Now go on, give it a go! I know you'll love it.
Alright, so you've got the lowdown on this cracking black bean chili . But hold on, there's more! Let's chat about making this Easy Bean Chili Recipe truly your own.
I once added way too much cayenne, thinking I was a chili champ. Honestly, I regretted that for days. Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Recipe Notes
This section is where we get down to the nitty gritty. Think of it as the "choose your own adventure" part of the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Right, so how do we doll this black bean chili up? I love serving mine in a proper bowl. First, a generous scoop of the hearty vegan chili , then a dollop of vegan sour cream (or regular, if that's your bag).
Sprinkle with some chopped cilantro. I like to chuck on a few avocado slices, too! Presentation is key, even if it's just for you.
A nice plate of tortilla chips on the side is always a winner. Fancy a drink? A cold beer or a margarita always goes down a treat with a bowl of Smoky Black Bean Chili .
Storage Tips
Leftover Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli ? Lucky you! It tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze it? No worries. Portion it into freezer safe containers and it will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in a pot on the stove, or in the microwave.
Make sure it's piping hot before you tuck in. Don't risk a dodgy tummy, you know?
Variations
Fancy mixing things up a bit? For a Vegan Sweet Potato Meals vibe, add some diced sweet potato to the chili while it simmers.
It adds a touch of sweetness and makes it even more filling. Need a gluten-free version? Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free, easy peasy! Looking for a Quick Black Bean Chili Recipe ? Use pre-chopped veggies.
You could also consider using canned diced tomatoes with added spices.
Nutrition Basics
Let's face it, we all like to know what we're putting in our bodies. This Vegetarian Chili Recipe is packed with goodness.
It’s a great source of fiber from the beans and vegetables, which is great for your gut health. It's also got a decent amount of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
You will get vitamin C from the tomatoes. As far as health benefits? It is a very good source of fiber, for sure! This Weeknight Chili Recipe is nutritious and delicious!
So there you have it! All the deets to make this One-Pot Black Bean Chili an absolute triumph. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Get creative in the kitchen. Remember, cooking should be fun! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze my leftover black bean chili? I've got enough to feed the 5000!
Absolutely! Black bean chili freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags. It'll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
It's like having a pre-made delicious dinner waiting in the wings, ready for a busy weeknight.
My black bean chili is a bit bland. How can I spice things up a bit?
No worries, that's easily fixed! First, make sure you've seasoned with enough salt it really brings out the flavors. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha), or finely chopped fresh chili.
You can also stir in some smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor that will add some depth and warmth. Remember to add a little at a time and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish; you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Is this black bean chili recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, it certainly is! This black bean chili recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. Just make sure you use vegetable broth (check the label to confirm it's vegan friendly!) and skip any dairy based garnishes like sour cream or cheddar cheese.
There are plenty of delicious vegan sour cream and cheese alternatives available these days to make it even better!
How can I thicken my black bean chili if it's too watery?
Thin chili is a common problem, but it's simple to fix. The easiest way to thicken black bean chili is to mash about a cup of the cooked beans with a fork or potato masher and stir them back into the pot. The released starch will act as a natural thickener.
Alternatively, you can simmer the chili uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. A spoonful of cornstarch mixed with cold water, then stirred in, can also do the trick in a pinch!
I don't have any black beans. What other beans can I use in this chili?
Not a problem at all! While it won't be black bean chili anymore, you can easily substitute with other types of beans. Pinto beans or kidney beans are both excellent choices and will provide a similar hearty texture and flavor.
Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the chili, just as you would with black beans.
Can I make this black bean chili in a slow cooker? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely, a slow cooker is perfect for making this chili even easier! Just sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers as directed in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Stir in the lime juice right before serving for a delicious set-it-and-forget-it meal. It's a lifesaver on those crazy days when you just don't have time to stand over the stove.
The Ultimate Black Bean Chili Hearty Smoky And R

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Fiber | 15-20g |