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Black bean chili with vegetables in a bowl.

Smoky Vegetarian Black Bean Chilli

This really is the perfect smoky black bean chili.  It's a quick and easy vegetarian weeknight dinner, that's so full of smoky chipotle flavor and naturally gluten-free.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 117kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle paste
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 x 14 oz cans fire-roasted chopped tomatoes, if available
  • 1 x 14 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 x 14 oz can black beans, rinsed

Instructions

  • Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-based saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
  • Incorporate Peppers: Stir in the roughly chopped roasted red peppers to the onion and garlic mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Add Spice and Simmer: Introduce the chipotle paste, cocoa powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine and cook until the spices become fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the apple juice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Finish with Beans: Add the rinsed kidney and black beans to the pot, mixing thoroughly. Continue to heat until the beans are warmed through.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chili hot, accompanied by sides of rice, avocado slices, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for garnishing.

Notes

  • Flavor Development: Sautéing the onion and garlic until translucent helps to develop a sweet, aromatic base for the chili.
  • Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle paste according to your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
  • Herbs and Spices: Toasting the spices before adding the liquids intensifies their flavors and aroma, creating a richer chili.
  • Simmering: Allowing the chili to simmer uncovered helps to thicken the sauce and blend the flavors together. If the chili becomes too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Serving Suggestions: Offering a variety of toppings allows everyone to customize their chili. Consider dietary preferences when choosing your garnishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 224mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1033IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 4mg
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