Ingredients
- Yellow onion, diced (1 medium)
- Black beans, rinsed and drained (2 cans, 15 oz each)
- Vegetable broth (4 cups)
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 28 oz)
- Chili powder (3 tablespoons)
- Ground cumin (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves)
- Red bell pepper, diced (1 medium)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the chili powder and ground cumin to the sautéed vegetables. Cook and stir the mixture for 30 seconds to "bloom" the spices, which enhances their flavor.
- Step 3: Pour the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck spices.
- Step 4: Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and allow the chili to simmer for a minimum of 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors fully develop and the liquid slightly thicken.
- Step 5: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed (add salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic). Serve hot, topped with desired vegan garnishes like avocado or cilantro.
Notes
- This chili freezes beautifully; cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for storage up to three months, making sure to leave headspace for expansion.
- To reheat, use the stovetop on low heat, adding a splash of fresh vegetable broth or water if the chili has become too thick in the refrigerator.
- Pair this smoky chili with a side of warm corn tortillas and your favorite vegan fixings, like a dollop of cashew sour cream or freshly sliced jalapeños.
- The key to intense flavor is blooming the chili powder and cumin with the sautéed vegetables for 30 seconds before adding liquids; this vital step "wakes up" the spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American