Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that's also good for you? Look no further than this five bean chili recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend lunch. It's packed with protein and fiber, making it a delicious and healthy addition to your meal plan. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable, feel free to double or even triple it depending on how many hungry mouths you need to feed!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. This simple step significantly enhances the overall flavor of your chili.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and great northern beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has simmered, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Five Bean Chili:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it altogether or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add a pinch of chipotle powder.
- Add some depth: A tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
- Meat lovers rejoice: For a heartier chili, add 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chorizo during step 1, browning it before adding the other vegetables.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of any meat stock.
- White Chicken Chili: Swap the beans for white beans, add shredded cooked chicken, and use chicken broth instead of water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate the nutritional information using a nutrition calculator app with your specific ingredient quantities. However, this chili is generally considered a healthy option, low in fat, and high in fiber and protein.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15 grams
This delicious five bean chili is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver on flavor and nutrition. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and share the recipe with your friends and family! It's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.