Debbie'S Black Bean Chili
Debbie's Black Bean Chili features hearty black beans, fresh garden tomatoes, and warm spices, offering a robust, flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place beans in water to cover by 2 inches and soak for at least 8 hours, checking occasionally to ensure beans remain covered with water.
- Pick over tomatoes, removing any bruised or damaged ones.
- Cut out damaged portions from the tomatoes.
- Slip tomatoes into boiling water for about 3 minutes until the skin begins to crack.
- Transfer tomatoes to a bowl of ice water using a slotted spoon.
- Let cool until handleable, then slip off skins and discard into compost.
- Cut larger tomatoes into quarters and process in a food processor until no large chunks remain; repeat with remaining tomatoes to make a puree.
- Drain and rinse dried black beans if necessary.
- In a large pot, combine soaked beans, tomato puree, green peppers, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, coriander, pepper, salt, drained corn, and wine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dash of smoked paprika. If you prefer a meatier chili, feel free to add ground beef or turkey, although it will no longer be vegan. You can also substitute canned black beans for the dried ones; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Experiment with different types of peppers for varied heat levels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Fiesta Grilled Peppers or a side of warm cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Corn, Rice And Bean Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave-safe container for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debbie'S Black Bean Chili contains roughly 1118 calories, with 65g protein, 210g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (275% of the Daily Value), iron (201% of the Daily Value), and protein (131% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% 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?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat gently before serving.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the heat, consider adding minced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Conversely, to make it milder, reduce the chili powder or add more tomatoes and corn to balance the flavors.
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
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).