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Three Bean Vegan Chili

Three Bean Vegan Chili

The ultimate comfort food, Three Bean Vegan Chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. This easy weeknight dinner is full of rich spices and plant-based goodness. Perfect for chilly nights, it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 whole jalapeño seeds removed if desired
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 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
  • 1.5 cups cooked kidney beans or 1 can drained/rinsed
  • 1.5 cups cooked pinto beans or 1 can drained/rinsed
  • 1.5 cups cooked navy beans or 1 can drained/rinsed
  • 1 whole sliced jalapeños for topping
  • 1 whole toasted pepitas for topping
  • 1 whole cilantro for serving
  • 1 whole vegan cornbread for serving (see note)

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Food Processor
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Heat a stockpot over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion mixture. Cook until onions are fragrant and transparent, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  3. Stir in spices and about half a teaspoon of sea salt, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes or until you can smell the spices.
  4. Add in the crushed tomatoes, bittersweet chocolate, and 3 cups of the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 5 minutes.
  5. After 10 minutes, stir in the pecan meal and beans. Cover and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt/seasoning.
  6. Add more vegetable broth if a thinner consistency is desired.
  7. Divide into four bowls and top with your desired toppings.

Notes

  • Tip 1: 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.
  • Tip 2: As for the cornbread, I used a vegan cornbread recipe.
  • Tip 3: Use up leftover ingredients like vegetable broth, pecans, and spices.