Black Bean Chili
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 to 6
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Course
Main Course, Soup
Black Bean Chili
Description
Black Bean Chili is a robust dish centered on black beans cooked with a sauté of onions, red bell peppers, and garlic. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes and canned green chiles provides a smoky component paired with a mildly spicy chili powder base. Simmering uncovered allows the chili to thicken while the flavors meld thoroughly.
The seasoning includes sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and an optional cayenne pepper for heat, with maple syrup introducing a subtle sweetness. Fresh lime juice stirred in at the end brightens the overall flavor.
This chili is versatile for meals, suitable as a main for vegetarian diets or served alongside tortilla chips and various toppings like sour cream or sliced peppers, enhancing both texture and taste. Lime wedges on the side add extra zest to the bowls.
Adjust chili powder amounts to taste, considering variations in spice level. Stir sparsely during simmering to maintain bean integrity and promote even thickening.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 white onion chopped, medium
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1½ teaspoons salt sea salt
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 cups black beans plus 1 cup of their liquid (amount in 2 cans beans, cooked
- 1 (14-ounce) diced fire-roasted tomatoes canned
- 1 (4-ounce) green chiles canned, no need to drain
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon lime juice plus wedges for serving, fresh
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Topping Options
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- avocado
- Serrano peppers sliced, or jalapeños sliced
- cilantro
- onion pickled
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and chili powder and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the beans, bean liquid, tomatoes, green chiles, maple syrup, and a few grinds of pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened.
- Stir in the lime juice and season to taste with more salt, pepper, chili powder, and cayenne, if desired. Serve with lime wedges and desired toppings.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on your spice tolerance or the powder's strength for desired heat level.
- Serve with a variety of toppings like sour cream, sliced peppers, or avocado for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Use fresh lime juice at the end to brighten and balance the chili's flavors.