Description
Hearty three bean chili delivers robust southwestern flavors packed with protein and spice. Mexican-inspired comfort brings warmth and satisfaction through carefully balanced ingredients that combine perfectly in one delicious meal you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces/226 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling base for the chili.
- Incorporate chopped onion, vibrant bell pepper, and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in a medley of spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for those craving extra heat – toasting them briefly to amplify their robust flavors.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, and vegetable broth, creating a harmonious liquid foundation that will transform into a hearty chili.
- Gently fold in the trio of beans – black, kidney, and pinto – ensuring each legume is generously coated with the fragrant sauce.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture gently bubble and meld together, stirring intermittently for 15-18 minutes until the flavors intensify and the chili thickens.
- Conduct a final taste test, adjusting seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of spices and depth.
- Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like tangy sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for added complexity.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce for spice lovers.
- Swap canned beans for cooked dried beans to reduce sodium and control ingredient quality.
- Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra firm tofu for vegetarian protein boost.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick meal prep, staying fresh up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 153 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg