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Three-Bean Vegan Chili

Overhead close-up view of vegan chili with cornbread and jalapenos

3 from 2 reviews

This hearty vegan chili is the perfect rich and filling stew for cold winter nights. Serve with a wedge of cornbread (or peanut butter sandwich) for warming dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chili

1 medium yellow onion

3 cloves garlic

1 jalapeno (seeds removed if desired)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 ounce (vegan) bittersweet chocolate

3 to 4 cups vegetable broth

1/3 cup pecan meal

1 ½ cups (or 1 can drained/rinsed) cooked kidney beans

1 ½ cups (or 1 can drained/rinsed) cooked pinto beans

1 ½ cups (or 1 can drained/rinsed) cooked navy beans

For the toppings

Sliced jalapenos, for topping

Toasted pepitas, for topping

Cilantro, for serving

Vegan Cornbread, for serving (see note)

Instructions

  • Chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeño into large chunks. Place in a food processor and pulse until everything is minced. Drain any liquid that may have formed.
  • Heat a stockpot over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion mixture. Cook until onions are fragrant and transparent, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in spices and ½ teaspoon salt, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes or until you can smell the spices. Add in the tomatoes, chocolate, and 3 cups of the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, stir in the pecans and beans. Cover and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt/seasoning. Add more vegetable broth if a thinner consistency is desired.
  • Divide into four bowls and top with your desired toppings.

Notes

Tips + Tricks: I realize this is a lot of beans but it's highly worth it. If I don't have any beans in the freezer, I just go for canned beans.

As for the cornbread, I used this vegan cornbread recipe.

Use up leftover ingredients: Vegetable broth, pecans, spices

Nutrition

Keywords: bean chili, vegan chili, vegetarian chili