Title: Southwest Black Bean Chili
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Number of Servings: 6
Required Equipment List: Slow cooker, cutting board, knife, measuring cups, measuring spoons
Cuisine Type: Southwestern
Southwest Black Bean Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for both warming up on a chilly evening or serving at a gathering with friends. This chili is packed with protein-rich black beans, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices that creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and savory dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. The beauty of this chili lies in its versatility; you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste and even add in your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Not only is this recipe comforting and delicious, but it’s also a great way to incorporate plant-based ingredients into your diet. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Avocado slices (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing your vegetables. Dice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. This will guarantee that all the ingredients are ready to go into the slow cooker for a seamless cooking experience.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavors of the vegetables before they’re added to the slow cooker.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together and the chili to reach the perfect thickness.
- Once the chili is done cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if desired.
Extra Tips: For an extra kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili. You can also experiment by adding other beans, such as kidney or pinto beans, to create your own unique twist.
Feel free to make this chili ahead of time, as the flavors often deepen and improve overnight; simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Southwest Black Bean Chili!