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Hearty Bean Chili

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A cozy, easy-to-make bean chili recipe perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners, featuring a smoky, spicy, and savory flavor profile with a creamy texture from blended beans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Finely chop one medium onion, two cloves garlic, and one bell pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder. Toast spices gently with the veggies for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and diced fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  6. Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth and add 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, depending on heat preference. Stir well.
  7. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if chili becomes too thick.
  8. Optional: Scoop out about 1 cup of chili and blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Stir the blended portion back into the pot for creaminess.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust chipotle or chili powder if needed.
  10. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado slices.

Notes

Toast spices with sautéed vegetables to enhance flavor. Start with one chipotle pepper and add more to adjust heat. Blend a portion of the beans for a creamy texture without dairy. Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. This chili reheats well and tastes better the next day. Can be adapted for slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: bean chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, family dinner, cozy meal, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, gluten-free chili

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/hearty-bean-chili-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-family-dinner-idea/