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Easy Three Bean Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savor hearty Three Bean Chili, a comforting Mexican-inspired dish packed with protein and robust spices. Warm, satisfying flavors blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal that will satisfy hunger and spark culinary joy for you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 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
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jalapenos, seeds removed and diced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or small piece of dark chocolate (about 0.5 ounces / 14 grams), optional
  • Mineral salt & pepper, to taste

Additional Liquid:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth

Garnishes:

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Cashew sour cream
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Warm a generously sized cooking vessel over medium temperature, introducing olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
  2. Gently transform onion pieces until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeños, allowing them to meld and intensify for approximately 60 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle chili and chipotle powders into the fragrant mixture, stirring quickly to awaken their robust flavors without burning.
  5. Cascade black, kidney, and pinto beans into the pot, followed by diced tomatoes and their rich liquid.
  6. Incorporate a touch of cocoa powder or dark chocolate, which will deepen the chili’s complex flavor profile.
  7. Pour vegetable broth to create a harmonious liquid foundation, bringing the entire mixture to a gentle, rolling simmer.
  8. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the ingredients to marry and develop their flavors for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
  9. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, dollop cashew sour cream, and serve with zesty lime wedges for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

  • Swap out water for vegetable broth to enhance the depth of flavor and add more complexity to the chili.
  • Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to unlock their full aromatic potential and intensify the overall taste profile.
  • Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a richer, more nuanced flavor that doesn’t make the chili overly sweet.
  • Consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the chili’s flavors and add a subtle tanginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg