Black Bean And Bulgur Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring black beans, bulgur, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal that satisfies and warms with rich spices and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. black beans (dry) ⓘ
- 5 to 6 cups cooked black beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup bulgur wheat (dry) ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked bulgur ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 10 oz. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 oz. garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. carrot, coarsely grated ⓘ
- 8 oz. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. green pepper ⓘ
- 28 oz. can crushed tomato in tomato paste
- 3 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 3 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 3 to 5 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the black beans: rinse the dried beans, remove stones, and soak in water for several hours or overnight. Drain and rinse, then cover with water plus 1/2 inch and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender.
- Cook the bulgur wheat according to package instructions, then set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes in tomato paste, basil, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Add cooked black beans and cooked bulgur to the pot. Mix thoroughly.
- Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and water as needed to achieve desired consistency and taste.
- Simmer the chili uncovered for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To save time, consider using canned black beans instead of dried; just rinse and drain them before adding. You can also swap bulgur for quinoa or barley for a different texture. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrition. This recipe works well as a base for other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with a dollop of sour cream or avocado for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Spanish Rice With Beef for a hearty meal. Consider adding some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for dipping. This dish also goes well with a fresh salad or a side of Lynn'S Quick Mex Dip to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean And Bulgur Chili contains roughly 1532 calories, with 58g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (361% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (218% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1767mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. It's perfect for meal prep or gatherings, as it tastes even better the next day!
Is this chili suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Black Bean And Bulgur Chili is entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegan diets. Ensure that any added toppings, like sour cream, are also vegan-friendly, or substitute with avocado for creaminess.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether for a milder flavor. If you prefer more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of Easy Hot Sauce during cooking. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).