Description
Hearty Southwestern Three Bean Chili delivers bold flavors dancing with robust spices and deep comfort. Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this dish brings warm satisfaction to hungry tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Beans):
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapenos, seeds removed and diced
Spices, Liquids, and Optional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/4 cup water (for water saute)
- 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth, + more if needed
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or small piece of dark chocolate (about 1/2 ounces), optional
- Mineral salt & pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
- Green onions, sliced
- Cashew sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Warm oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and diced jalapeños, allowing them to release their aromatic essence for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili and chipotle powders into the mixture, toasting briefly to intensify their robust flavors.
- Incorporate three varieties of beans: black, kidney, and pinto, along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Optional enhancement: Fold in cocoa powder or dark chocolate to elevate the chili’s depth and complexity.
- Accelerate heat to generate a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and maintaining desired liquid consistency.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Present piping hot, adorned with fresh green onion garnish, dollop of cashew sour cream, and zesty lime wedges for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Add extra depth by toasting spices before adding liquids, which intensifies their aromatic qualities and brings a richer flavor profile to the chili.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities or using milder peppers like poblano for sensitive palates.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating quinoa or textured vegetable protein for a more substantial vegetarian version.
- Optimize texture by partially mashing some beans during cooking, creating a thicker, more hearty consistency without losing individual bean integrity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg