Where's the Beef ? (Vegetarian Black Bean Chili)

Name: Where's the Beef ? (Vegetarian Black Bean Chili)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb dried black beans, picked over and rinsed; 1 tablespoon cumin seed; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne; 2 tablespoons cocoa (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled; 1 small dried pasilla pepper, stem and seeds discarded, chile coarsely chopped; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or 3 tablespoons peanut oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped (bell or poblano); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 -2 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chile in adobo (adjust to taste); 1 bay leaf; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 (12 ounce) bottle dark beer; 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 cup sour cream; 1 lime, juice of

Servings: persons

1 lb dried black beans, picked over and rinsed
1 tablespoon cumin seed
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons cocoa (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1 small dried pasilla pepper, stem and seeds discarded, chile coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or 3 tablespoons peanut oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped (bell or poblano)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 -2 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chile in adobo (adjust to taste)
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (12 ounce) bottle dark beer
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 lime, juice of

1
Soak beans in water to cover by 2 inches, refrigerated, for at least 8 hours (or use the short soak method -- see below).
2
Drain.
3
Garnish:.
4
Mix sour cream with lime juice and refrigerate.
5
Chili:.
6
Toast cumin, paprika, cayenne and oregano in dry small heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and a shade or two darker, about 2 minutes (watch carefully as spiced can burn easily).
7
Transfer to a small bowl.
8
Finely grind pasilla in spice/coffee grinder, then stir in spices.
9
Heat oil in a 6 quart pot over moderately high heat until hot, but not smoking.
10
Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is golden, 6 to 8 minutes.
11
Add garlic, chipotles and spice mixture, reduce heat to moderate and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
12
Add beans, bay leaf,cocoa, beer and broth, bring to a simmer, covered, until beans are tender, 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
13
Add tomatoes, with their juice, and salt to taste and simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes , or until chili is slightly thickened.
14
Discard bay leaf.
15
Just before serving stir in cilantro.
16
Serve with Lime Sour Cream.
17
Note: Quick Soaking Dried Beans.
18
Put the beans in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 2 inches.
19
Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let the beans soak, covered, for 1 hour.
20
Drain.

609

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 lb dried black beans, picked over and rinsed, 1 tablespoon cumin seed, 2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne, and more.

Yes, Where's the Beef ? (Vegetarian Black Bean Chili) falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!