Name: Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red onion, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 teaspoons diced chipotles in adobo; 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup uncooked split red lentils; 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce; 2-3 cups vegetable broth; Juice of 1 lime; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Fritos (for garnish); Vegan sour cream (for garnish); Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish); Sliced jalapeno (optional garnish)

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If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal packed with bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, look no further than this Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe. It’s a vibrant, soul-warming dish that combines tender black beans, smoky chipotle peppers, and rich spices in a luscious tomato base, all enhanced by the wholesome texture of red lentils. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this chili brings together ingredients that are simple yet full of character, making it a staple for anyone who loves a satisfying plant-based meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pot with two handles, there is a layer of melted yellow butter covering the bottom. On one side, there is a pile of small chopped red onions with white and purple colors mixed. The pot is set on a white marbled surface, and a black and white striped cloth is placed next to the pot on the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack a powerful punch. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy black beans to the smoky chipotles, all blending to create layers of flavor and a beautiful texture contrast.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onion for a flavor foundation.
Red onion: Provides natural sweetness and a slight bite for balance.
Garlic: Infuses the chili with its signature aromatic warmth.
Chili powder: Brings that classic chili heat and depth.
Cumin: Enhances earthiness and smoky undertones.
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance tomato acidity.
Diced tomatoes: Add vibrant color and a juicy texture.
Chipotles in adobo: For smoky, spicy complexity.
Black beans: The hearty protein star that makes this chili filling.
Red lentils: Create a creamy, thick consistency without overpowering flavor.
Tomato sauce: Builds the chili’s rich, saucy base.
Vegetable broth: Keeps everything flavorful and moist.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness at the end.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Fritos: For a crunchy, salty garnish that brings fun texture.
Vegan sour cream: Adds creaminess and cool contrast.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens the chili with herbal notes.
Sliced jalapeno: Optional heat boost for those who love spice.

How to Make Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced red onion, seasoned with a generous pinch of salt and cracked pepper, and cook for around 4 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness and forming the base of the chili’s rich flavor.

Step 2: Add garlic and spice

Next, toss in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar. Stir continuously for about one minute, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil. This step really intensifies the chili’s warm, smoky aroma and makes those flavors sing.

Step 3: Combine tomatoes, chipotles, beans, and lentils

Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoky chipotles in adobo, black beans, and red lentils. Season again with salt and pepper. This combination turns the pot into a colorful medley where each ingredient brings texture and a unique flavor dimension to your Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe.

Step 4: Add liquids and simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Cover the pot, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Afterward, reduce the heat to medium-low, letting the chili cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until the lentils become tender. Don’t hesitate to add the remaining cup of vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 5: Finish with lime and seasoning

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh juice of one lime. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts the entire dish, giving it a fresh contrast to the deep, smoky flavors.

How to Serve Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick, dark reddish-brown chili with visible black beans and corn kernels, topped with a pile of bright orange corn chips scattered on top and around the bowl. On top of the chips is a dollop of white sour cream garnished with small green cilantro leaves, alongside fresh slices of light green avocado and thin slices of bright green jalapeño peppers. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some corn chip crumbs and chopped cilantro scattered nearby. A spoon is partially submerged in the chili on the left side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The fun part about serving this Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe is choosing your garnishes. Crumble some crunchy Fritos on top for a satisfying texture contrast. Add a dollop of vegan sour cream for creaminess, and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro to infuse a burst of herbal freshness. If you like a bit more heat, sliced jalapeno rings work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, fluffy steamed rice, or a crisp green salad. Each side provides a different way to balance the hearty, spicy notes—cornbread softens the heat, rice adds a neutral base, and a salad refreshes your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chili in a bread bowl for an edible, cozy container or layer it over baked sweet potatoes for a unique twist. You can also use it as a filling for vegan tacos or as a taco salad topping for a filling and flavorful meal. The versatility of this Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe makes it perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep the texture intact and flavors fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion your chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option. Just leave some space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently either on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. If the chili is too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried red lentils?

Canned lentils are already cooked and will not hold texture the same way dried lentils do. For this recipe, dried red lentils are best because they dissolve slightly and thicken the chili perfectly during the simmering process.

Is this chili spicy?

The flavor has a mild to moderate heat thanks to chipotles in adobo, which are smoky but not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount or add jalapenos at serving to control the heat level.

Can I substitute black beans with another type of bean?

Absolutely! While black beans give this chili its characteristic flavor and texture, you can replace them with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different twist. Just keep in mind the flavors will shift slightly.

How long does the chili keep its flavor after cooking?

This Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe stays delicious for several days in the refrigerator, and some say it tastes even better after resting overnight when the spices and ingredients have more time to meld together.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. Just ensure your garnishes, like Fritos, are verified gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Black Bean Chili Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or making ahead for busy nights. Trust me, once you try this chili, it’ll be on your rotation too!