Description
Hearty three bean chili delivers robust southwestern comfort with rich layers of spice and depth. Each spoonful promises a satisfying blend of protein-packed beans, aromatic seasonings, and warmth you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium flame and sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the softened vegetables, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices and create an aromatic base.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth, mixing well to create a uniform liquid foundation for the chili.
- Gently fold kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the pot.
- Season the chili with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and personal preference.
- Reduce heat and allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 25-35 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure consistent cooking.
- Once beans are tender and flavors have melded, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to enhance overall taste profile.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado for added texture and richness.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne for heat seekers.
- Swap fresh beans with canned varieties for quicker preparation, ensuring proper draining and rinsing.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating plant-based ground meat alternatives or quinoa for vegetarian variations.
- Optimize flavor development by allowing chili to rest overnight, as spices meld and intensify after cooling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg