Spicy Black Bean Chili with Hearty Greens
Try this Spicy Black Bean Chili with Hearty Greens recipe.
Try this Spicy Black Bean Chili with Hearty Greens recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- avocado
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups black beans (dry rinsed and soaked overnight (see note))
- 3 red onions (chopped about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chile oil (recipe below, or use a store-
- 7 ounces mild green chiles (diced)
- 1 1/2 cups red salsa (purchased or homemade)
- 5 ounces bitter greens (e.g. arugula beet greens, mustard greens, etc., washed, large stems removed,
- 7 ounce chipotle peppers ( in adobo sauce 1 can)
- 2-3 tablespoons canola oil (or another oil if you
- green chiles (diced)
- cilantro (fresh and chopped)
- jicama (cut into matchsticks)
- vegan cheese
- Carbohydrate 0.843347052653431 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.25022812567287 g
- Fiber 0.493028129840728 g
- Protein 0.203473750220518 g
- Saturated Fat 0.177565187603056 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (134g)
- Sodium 121.857136724654 mg
- Sugar 0.350318922812703 g
- Trans Fat 0.0717540313113116 g
- Calories 14 calories
Step-by-step
- Press Sauté to pre-heat the Instant Pot. When the word "hot" appears on the display, add the oil and sauté the onions and garlic about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano, stirring to mix into the onions.
- Add the beans, water, chipotle oil, green chiles, and salsa.
- To make the chile oil: In a blender puree the chiles with the oil until smooth, adding a bit more oil, if needed, for a smooth paste. Reserve in freezer to use as desired.
- Lock the lid in place. Press Manual and adjust the time to 13 minutes cooking time. When the beep sounds, quick release the pressure by pressing Cancel, and twisting the steam handle to Venting position.
- Press Sauté and stir in the greens and cook about 4 minutes, until they shrink and disappear into the beans. Press Cancel.
- Stir in the vinegar.
- Taste, adding salt to your liking. Serve with your choice of garnishes. Vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, avocado, cilantro and corn all make excellent toppings for this recipe.
A Busy Mom's Take on a Flavorful and Healthy Chili
Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the household afloat, finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum often feels like a luxury. But even in the midst of the chaos, I crave delicious, nourishing meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. This Spicy Black Bean Chili with Hearty Greens is my go-to recipe when I need a hearty, flavorful, and healthy dinner that's quick and easy to prepare.
The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity and versatility. It's packed with protein and fiber from the black beans, which keeps me feeling full and energized throughout the evening. The hearty greens add a nutritional boost, offering vitamins and minerals to complement the chili's rich flavor. Plus, the subtle spice provides a welcome kick without being overwhelmingly hot. It’s a perfect balance of comfort food and wholesome eating, something I always strive for in my busy schedule.
I often adjust this recipe to suit what I have on hand. Sometimes I use different types of greens—whatever's fresh at the farmer's market or already in my fridge. The same goes for the garnishes; sometimes it's a dollop of vegan sour cream, other times it’s a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a ripe avocado. The flexibility is a huge plus for a mom who's always juggling multiple priorities. There’s no need for precise measurements; just a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and you end up with a delicious and personalized dish.
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for recipes like this. It significantly reduces the cooking time, allowing me to whip up a nutritious meal even on the busiest of weekdays. The pressure cooking method ensures that the beans are perfectly tender, and the sauté function makes it easy to cook the onions and greens directly in the pot. This eliminates the need for separate pans, reducing cleanup time and maximizing efficiency—all crucial for a busy mom who values her time.
Beyond the practical benefits, this chili has become a family favorite. My kids love the hearty texture and slightly spicy flavor, and it's a meal that everyone can enjoy together. It’s a source of comfort and familiarity in our often chaotic lives; a simple, satisfying meal that brings us together at the end of a long day. It’s a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of motherhood, taking a few moments to prepare and share a healthy and delicious meal can be an act of self-care and a precious connection with those I love most.
This chili isn't just about quick meals and efficient cooking; it's about creating delicious, healthy food that nourishes both body and soul. It’s about embracing simplicity and adapting recipes to suit my life, a life that’s often filled with more chaos than calm. And yet, in the heart of that chaos, there’s always room for a warm bowl of chili—a symbol of comfort, satisfaction, and the simple joys of family life.
Tips for Success:
- Soaking the beans: Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
- Adjusting the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle oil to suit your spice preference.
- Experiment with garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes! Try adding different types of cheese, sour cream, or other toppings to customize your chili.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.
