Vegan Black Bean Chili
A hearty, smoky chili packed with tender black beans, bell peppers, and corn in a rich tomato base. Warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika give it depth without any meat. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for game day or a cozy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
- pressure cook · ~20 min
Cook the soaked black beans.
Drain the soaked black beans and add them to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of fresh water. Cook on high heat until the first whistle, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPBeans should be tender but not mushy. If using a regular pot, simmer for 45-60 minutes until soft. - saute · ~6 min
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.2.Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent (4-5 min).3.Add minced garlic and jalapeño, sauté until fragrant (1 min). - saute · ~4 min
Build the chili base.
1.Add diced bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.2.Stir in cumin powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook until fragrant (30 sec).3.Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.TIPCooking the tomato paste until it darkens slightly removes the raw tinny taste. - boil · ~20 min
Simmer the chili.
1.Add diced tomatoes, cooked black beans, corn, and 2 cups of water.2.Stir in dried oregano and salt.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.TIPThe chili will thicken as it simmers. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water. - prep · ~1 min
Finish and adjust seasoning.
Taste the chili and adjust salt if needed. Stir in fresh lime juice for brightness. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of chili powder.
TIPThe lime juice wakes up all the flavors — don't skip it. - garnish
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak dried black beans overnight to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.
- 2Toast the cumin and smoked paprika in oil for 30 seconds to unlock their full aroma.
- 3Cook the tomato paste until it darkens slightly to remove raw, tinny flavors.
- 4Simmer the chili uncovered so it thickens naturally without added starch.
- 5Stir in fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten all the smoky spices.
- 6Leftover chili tastes even better the next day — store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy chipotle
Replace the jalapeño with 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, medium-hot heat that deepens the chili's complexity.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or crumbled firm tofu along with the beans to boost protein without altering the chili's texture.
low oilLow-oil
Sauté the aromatics in 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth instead of olive oil to reduce fat while keeping the base flavorful.
roasted vegetableRoasted vegetable
Roast the bell pepper and corn in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes before adding them to the pot for a sweeter, charred depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Protein
Black beans provide a solid plant-based protein source, making this chili a satisfying and muscle-friendly meal.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Each serving delivers a generous amount of fiber from beans, corn, and vegetables, supporting healthy digestion.
Packed with Antioxidants
Tomatoes, bell peppers, and smoked paprika are rich in lycopene and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Naturally Low in Fat
With just one tablespoon of olive oil and no added fats, this chili is a heart-healthy option that keeps calories in check.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use two 15-ounce cans (rinsed and drained) and skip the pressure-cooking step. Add them in step 4 and simmer for only 10–15 minutes.







