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Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Chili: 20-Minute Easy Vegan Recipe

smoky chipotle black bean chili - featured image

A bold, earthy, and deeply savory vegan chili that combines black beans with smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and freezing, offering a comforting balance of sweet and heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add diced yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for the last minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to bloom the spices.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, rinsed black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine and scrape the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Stir well to distribute heat.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
  8. Stir in maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Ladle into bowls and serve with preferred toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Notes

For a thicker consistency, mash about a quarter of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering. If using dry black beans, soak 1.5 cups overnight and cook until tender, adding 30-45 minutes to prep time. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free broth and chili powder. It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan chili, black bean chili, chipotle recipe, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, plant-based, comfort food, smoky chili