Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that's as hearty as it is healthy? Look no further than this mouthwatering Black Bean Chili with Cilantro! Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Mexican-inspired recipe is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a mere 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a delicious meal that serves four and is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to dive into a bowl of comfort that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the chili powder and cumin, allowing the spices to toast for about 1 minute. This will enhance their flavors and aroma.
- Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 20 minutes, taste the chili and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. If you like a bit more heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños at this stage.
- Once seasoned to your liking, remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Let the chili sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the black bean chili hot in bowls, garnished with the reserved cilantro. Enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, or with tortilla chips for a delicious meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions and garlic in advance. You can even rinse and drain your black beans a day before to streamline the cooking process.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you stir in the black beans and tomatoes. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference!
- Let It Simmer: Allow the chili to simmer gently for the full 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the cilantro! Adding it at the end preserves its fresh flavor and adds a pop of color to your dish. Reserve a bit for garnish to make your chili visually appealing.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Black Bean Chili with crusty bread, over fluffy rice, or alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful meal that satisfies all cravings.
- Leftover Magic: This chili stores well in the fridge for up to three days and can be easily reheated. It also freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 119kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
