Craving a meal that's not just delicious, but also packed with protein, bursting with smoky flavors, and totally plant-based? Look no further! This Vegan Chipotle Black Bean Chili is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a bowl of comfort that combines the rich, smoky heat of chipotle with the hearty goodness of black beans - it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to flavor town, all while keeping things 100% vegan and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
- Stir in chipotle in adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the spices' aromatic oils.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the pot. Gently mix to distribute the beans evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the chili seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. The chili will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, toast your spices briefly in the pot before adding liquids. This helps release their essential oils and intensifies the taste.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - take time to properly caramelize your onions and develop a deep, rich flavor base.
- The chipotle in adobo is your secret weapon for smoky heat. Start with less and add more to taste, as it can be quite intense.
- For a thicker chili, slightly mash some of the black beans against the side of the pot during cooking to create a more creamy texture.
- Make this chili ahead of time - it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
- Experiment with toppings like vegan sour cream, nutritional yeast, or crushed tortilla chips to add extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before adding to the pot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
