Easy Vegan Three Bean Chili

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When you’re looking for a warm and tasty meal that’s quick to make, this three bean chili is a great choice. It’s a vegan dish that’s both hearty and healthy, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can have this chili ready in just half an hour, making it ideal for busy days or when you need a simple meal prep idea.

The recipe uses a mix of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. It also includes onions, garlic, and a touch of jalapeno for a little heat. The spices, like chili and chipotle powder, add rich flavor, while a hint of cocoa gives it an extra depth. Whether you serve it with some cornbread or keep it simple, this chili is sure to be a cozy addition to your meal routine.

Tools You Need

To whip up some Texas three-bean chili with a twist of sweet chia, you’ll require a few kitchen tools. First, a large pot or Dutch oven is key. This will hold all your mouth-watering ingredients and help them simmer perfectly.

You’ll also need a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to stir those beans and spices together. A sharp knife and cutting board are helpful for prepping your veggies and any other ingredients.

Measuring cups are essential. You’ll want the right amounts of everything to balance the flavors just right. A can opener might come in handy if you’re using canned beans or tomatoes.

Lastly, keep a ladle nearby to serve it up once it’s all done. This tool will make sure you get a hearty scoop every time.

Getting the Ingredients Ready

When you’re about to make this chili, having all your stuff together makes the process smoother. You’ll want to start with three different kinds of beans. Try using black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. Using dried beans gives the dish a nice texture, but canned beans are pretty convenient and quicker.

Next, focus on your vegetables and seasonings. Grab some onions, garlic, bell peppers, and maybe a jalapeño if you like a bit of heat. Dice them up into small pieces. You also want some canned tomatoes, either diced or crushed, and some tomato paste to thicken it up.

Spices are a big deal here. Gather chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You might want to add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors. For a special touch, don’t forget a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder; it adds a bit of depth.

Finally, for the sweet chia twist, grab some chia seeds and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. These will add a unique texture and sweetness to your chili. Having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking makes things more fun and less stressful.

Serving Tips

• You can enjoy Texas three-bean chili in many ways. A classic choice is over rice. It helps soften the flavors and adds a bit of bulk to your meal. You might also like it with cornbread. The sweet bread pairs well with the spicy chili.
• Try topping your chili with cheese or sour cream. These toppings add creaminess and bring out the spices in the chili. Some people add chopped onions or jalapeños for a bit of crunch. Each option gives you a chance to customize your bowl to your liking.
• Some find that adding sweet chia seeds gives the chili a unique twist. They introduce a slight nutty flavor and extra fiber. If you’re feeling adventurous, use the chili as a filling for tacos or burritos. This can be a fun way to change up dinner time. You may discover a new favorite way to enjoy your chili.

How to Store and Reheat

• To keep your Texas three-bean chili fresh, place it in an airtight container once it has cooled down completely. Store the container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to two months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy it again, take your chili out of the fridge and spoon it into a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Another way to reheat is on the stovetop. Pour the chili into a pot, warm it over medium heat, and stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. If it seems too thick as it reheats, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up a bit. Always make sure the chili is heated all the way through before serving.

Easy Vegan 3-Bean Chili

Are you looking for a delicious three-bean chili recipe? Then this is it! This vegan three bean chili is healthy and easy to make. It can be made in a pan, crockpot or slow cooker if that's what you prefer. It's ideal as a high-protein vegan lunch or vegan dinner recipe. Enjoy!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 362 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1/2 cup of black beans canned or dried and cooked
• 1/2 cup of pinto beans canned or dried and cooked
• 1/2 cup of kidney beans canned or dried and cooked
• 1/2 onion diced
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1/2 bell pepper diced
• 1/2 jalapeño diced (optional)
• 1 cup of canned diced or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of pepper
• A dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder optional
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Gather all ingredients before starting.
• If using dried beans, cook them according to package instructions.
• Dice the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using), and mince the garlic.
• In a large pot, sauté the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño until softened.
• Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot and stir well.
• Add the black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans to the pot.
• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired for extra depth.
• Simmer the chili on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix in the chia seeds and sweetener (maple syrup) and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.