Leave a Comment
According to singer and songwriter Ken Finlay, “If you know beans about chili, you know that chili has no beans.” At least that’s what they say in Texas. Who would’ve known that the world of chili is strictly divided by those who believe in the power or evil of beans. They’re so innocent, those beans. All they want to do is add fiber and protein to a dish, but they have a bad reputation when it comes to chili if you ask some people. It appears as though the inclusion of beans in bowls of chili is seen as blasphemy. Well now, that seems odd because beans are good. We like beans. They taste good in soups, stews, and yes, chili too. All across the country, there are numerous recipes and serving methods for chili. You’ll find those who slide in pre-made seasoning packs, while some purists start from the beginning with their own flavors. Others insist that they have a big chunk of hot cornbread on the side, while some families serve their chili over rice or alone in the bowl with cheddar cheese and sour cream on top. Or with all of the above. No matter how people like their chili, one of the biggest points of contention is the presence of beans. Who would’ve known that those little legumes would be so troublesome?
Chili is one of those dishes where the room for debate is bigger than the serving bowl. Luckily for all of us, chili is very forgiving. You can make it with beans or without if you want, especially if you’re have lots of meat in there. But what if you have no meat? Well then, you need something to put in there, so you might as well call on those beans. This is super hearty mixed bean chili actually falls into the vegan category, but that should not scare you. It is equally as delicious as any meat-laden version you might find out there in the world of chili recipes. It is full of body, texture and heat. The mix of black beans, pinto beans and kidney beans all find their way to come together harmoniously with each bite. The corn adds a hint of sweetness to offset the slight spice. Serve it with crackers, cornbread, rice or, as you see here, polenta. It’s only going to taste better with a partner in the bowl. There are only a few tiny substitutions to fit vegan guidelines, but you could make this non-vegan easily. Or not. It might be easier than you think to fool yourself or anyone else who sits down to your table.
Three Bean and Corn Chili - Serves 8 to 10
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon vegan butter substitute (Earth Balance)
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup vegan beer (whatever your preference)* or vegetable broth
15 ounces black beans, drained but not rinsed
15 ounces kidney beans, drained but not rinsed
15 ounces pinto beans, drained but not rinsed
15 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
15 ounces canned or frozen corn, drained or thawed
6 ounces tomato paste
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar, agave nectar or your favorite mild sweetener (This recipe uses leftover Pear Jalapeno ‘Honey’ from our Christmas dinner.)
9 ounces soyrizo, cooked
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste**
*Of course, if you are not a vegan, you may not think about beer using animal products. Well, in all honesty, it never crossed either one of our minds. A bit of research shows that some beer producers make use of animal-derived products, and that goes far beyond the honey you might find in your light ale. Just an interesting fact! Check out Healthy. Happy. Life. for a short list of vegan approved beer producers.
**Typically, we include salt in all of our recipes, but with all of the beans, corn and soyrizo, you may find that this chili is seasoned enough on its own sans salt or just a wee less than noted here.
Click HERE for the printable recipe.
Other recipes you may enjoy...
With Indian Summer Comes Soup And A Giveaway
Funmi’s Test Kitchen
Belated Goodbye to Summer
It’s Not Delivery
Craig’s Test Kitchen
LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look! And this chili doesn’t look bad either.
oh i just looooooove it! super fresh and the color scheme is great! oh so fabulous! congrats. and i’m about chili’d out so imma pass! ur my girl so i can say that. thought the polenta/grits look good!
Just yesterday my dad and I had a fight about the fact that I put beans in my chili. Which is incredibly odd given the fact that he grew up in an Italian-American household in which chili was never EVER served so I have no idea where this allegiance of his came from. I’m all for a vegan chili! This sounds delicious.
I too think beans belong in chili, but I’m not from Texas. The recipe sounds delicious.
I LOVE your new site design! Congrats! I guess I never actually focused on chili with or without beans. I can see both sides, I’ve eaten both versions, and both were good. Thanks for the recipe.
Beeeans. Love the new design–it’s so…vibrant? Calming? It’s just happier, I think.
I love your new lay out!
Your site looks different….and with email subscription.
)
Love the bean dish.
And I always thought chili wasn’t a chili without beans… I didn’t know there was a big debate about them, you learn something new everyday, hehe. This dish sounds delicious.
This chili is amazing with the three beans and I love the corn here! Nice! Your new design is fabulous, congrats!
It looks wonderful! Love your new look.
I’m a fan of beans in chili because it’s really one of the only ways I’ll even consider eating beans. That’s terrible, right? This chili looks nom-worthy!
PS: LOVE the new site design!
this is my kind of chili!!! I’m planning on making something similar for my housewarming party this weekend.
Love the new design!
Love the chili as well, I think I can get the little ones in on this one and if they don’t- more for me!
LOVE the look!!! And this chili sounds delicious. We almost always include beans in our chili.
Wow, love your new look, very refreshing
The chili sounds and looks very tasty.
When we were young, my mom used to separate the chili into two batches — one with beans for my dad and her, and one without them for the kids. These days, I think I’d prefer my chili the complete opposite way — with no meat, and all beans!
ohhh looky here! a brand spanking new website. I love it. your new home is all nice and comfy cozy. congrats girl.
This new look suits you two! As for the chilli, YUMMO! Love it…going on my list!
When I was a kid I HATED the beans in chili. I did a pretty good job at picking around them. These days I definitely go back and forth, sometimes beans, sometimes not.
Love the new look BTW.
Finally got over here to see the new look. Love the colors.
I think I was in high school before I ever learned that in Texas chili is just beef stewed in pepper sauce without beans. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy way to find it in NY. My version of chili takes from the best of both worlds. I use ground beef and beans, as many non-Texan chilis do, but I like to make a nice sauce of my own blend of hot peppers. I have never been a big bean lover. It’s a textural tihng with me, although over the years I find I like certain types more than others. I prefer black beans and pinto beans to kidney beans for example
I’m firmly planted in the Bean Camp, love beans in my chili, I don’t care how many people from Texas tell me I’m going to hell for that
I really like the new design!
And though I do prefer my chili with beans, I wouldn’t have any trouble eating chili without it. It’s all good!
How about adding to the debate and including Cincinnati Chili that has spaghetti in it? It’s crazy, I know:)
We love any kind of chili in this house (I would gladly go for the one without any meat, but my husband would go on a hunger strike:)
Good job sticking to the plan and eating healthy!