Let’s dive into a quick and easy vegan bolognese recipe that not only satisfies your taste buds but also leaves your wallet intact. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting Italian classic, this plant-based twist on traditional bolognese is a game-changer. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this recipe proves that you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Why You Should Make This Three Bean Chili?
- Versatility: Three-bean chili is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the recipe based on your preferences. You can add various spices, vegetables, and even different types of beans to suit your taste.
- Nutrient-Rich: The combination of three different types of beans in the chili provides a diverse range of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Beans are also known for their health benefits, such as promoting heart health and aiding digestion.
- Filling and Satisfying: The protein and fiber content from the beans make three-bean chili a filling and satisfying dish. It can keep you satiated for a more extended period, making it a great option for a hearty and nutritious meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Beans are generally inexpensive, making three-bean chili a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week. It’s a cost-effective way to make a delicious and nutritious dish.
- Freezer-Friendly: Three-bean chili often freezes well, making it a convenient make-ahead option. You can prepare a large batch and store portions in the freezer for quick and easy meals on busy days.
- Adaptable to Various Diets: Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or omnivorous, three-bean chili can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. You can customize the recipe by adding or omitting ingredients to meet your specific needs.
- Great for Gatherings: Three-bean chili is a fantastic dish for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary choices.
Ingredients for Three Bean Chili
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Green bell pepper
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Ground cayenne pepper
- Vegetable broth
- Tomato sauce
- Canned diced tomatoes or fire roasted tomatoes
- Canned corn, drained and rinsed
- Canned Red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Canned Pinto kidney beans, drained and rinsed
How to Make This Three Bean Chili
- Gather ingredients: Gather your three canned beans of choice (kidney beans, pinto beans, norther beans); feel free to use one of each or two of the same, up to you. Gather your green chiles, fire roasted canned tomatoes, canned corn, low-sodium vegetable broth, and chilli seasoning mixture (see next step).
- Chili Seasoning: Gather each of your spices and measures out each according to the recipe card below. The spice combination will make enough for one pot of chilli, so feel free to double or triple for future batches.
- Sauté Veggies for Flavor: In a stock pot, add olive oil and heat on medium low. Once heated, sautéed onions and garlic in chili seasoning mixture. As onion and garlic soften, add in bell peppers and sauté until tender.
- Making the Three Bean Chili: Add beans, corn, green chiles, and vegetable broth to the pot. Cover chili with pot pan and simmer for 25 minutes on low. Be sure to keep an eye on the pot of chili, so that it doesn’t boil over.
- Toppings for Three Bean Chili: Once done, the chili should have created its own roux (thick sauce). Top with vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, nutritional yeast or avocado slices.
Substitutions for Canned Beans in Three Bean Chili
Things happen and maybe you made it to the grocery store and they were out of the canned beans you were hoping to buy? Well have no fear, I’ve got you covered!
The following list includes substitutions, if you can’t find either of the beans have:
- Kidney beans
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Chickpeas
Equipment To Make Three Bean Chili
- Stock Pot or Dutch oven: primary vessel for cooking and simmering the ingredients
Recipe Variations and Substitutes
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and double up on beans for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Quinoa Boost: For added protein and texture, substitute some beans with cooked quinoa.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Spice it Up: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or incorporating a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Slow Cooker Option: For an even more convenient preparation, throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 4-6 hours.
- Freeze for Later: Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
How to Store and Shelf Life
Store your trail mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It should stay fresh for several weeks, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost during th
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where to Buy Chili Ingredients for Cheap? A: When looking to save on ingredients, consider shopping at budget-friendly stores like Aldi. At Aldi, you can find canned goods, including beans and tomatoes, for under $1, and other essential ingredients for under $2. Take advantage of their affordable options to keep your three bean chili budget-friendly.
Q: Can I add plant-based meat? A: Absolutely! I’m sure that would taste really good! You would need to cook it when you sauté the onions and garlic.
Q: Can I add extra veggies? If so, which do you recommend? A: Of course, veggies are the bomb.com! If I were you, I’d possibly add jalapeños, chickpeas, green peas, and even sweet potatoes. If you end up adding any additional veggies to yours, please let me know in the comment/review section below!
Q: Can I eat this recipe on the Daniel Fast? A: Yes, you can! Just make sure you don’t add in plant-based meat (since the fast does eliminate processed food).
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DID YOU MAKE THIS THREE BEAN CHILI?
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The Best Vegan Three Bean Chili
Equipment
- Stock pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion -diced
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 15 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 oz. can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz. can red pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz canned corn
Chili Seasoning Mix
- 2 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they start to soften.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, green chiles, and corn to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level if needed.
- Serve the three-bean chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as vegan shredded cheese, chopped green onions, vegan sour cream, or cilantro.