Vegan Chili Beans : You Won’t Miss the Meat

Vegan Chili Beans : You Won’t Miss the Meat…
Vegan Chili Beans is a hearty, nutritious, and delicious dish that showcases the robust flavours of beans, vegetables, and spices in a satisfying and comforting stew. Perfect for a cosy dinner, this dish is not only packed with protein and fibre but also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal option for everyone, including those following a vegan lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (any colour), diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 can (400g/14oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400g/14oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400g/14oz) diced tomatoes
• 240ml (1 cup) vegetable stock
• 30g (2 tablespoons) tomato purée
• 30g (2 tablespoons) chilli powder
• 5g (1 teaspoon) ground cumin
• 5g (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika
• 5g (1 teaspoon) dried oregano
• 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) salt, or to taste
• 1.25g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper
• 150g (1 cup) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) lime juice
• Fresh coriander/ cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to make Vegan Chili Beans:

1. Prep the vegetables: Begin by dicing the onion, bell peppers, and carrots, and mincing the garlic.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Cook the vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Add the beans and tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato purée/paste.
6. Season the Chilli: Add the chilli powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock/broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
8. Add the corn: Stir in the corn kernels and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Finish with lime juice: Just before serving, add the lime juice and stir well.
10. Garnish and serve: Ladle the chilli into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander/cilantro. Serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Chilli Beans!