Black Bean Chili

black beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Kidney beans provide similar texture and flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: banana pepper

💰Cheaper: green bell pepper

Green bell pepper offers crunch without heat.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth enhances flavor without extra cost.

In a large enameled, cast-iron casserole, heat the oil until shimmering.

Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat until the fat has rendered. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate.

Season the pork with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the casserole and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 7 minutes.

Add the poblanos, onion, chipotles and garlic to the casserole and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 7 minutes.

Add the chile powder, cumin, oregano and minced cilantro and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes, beans, chicken stock, beer and cooked bacon and bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the beans are just tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Uncover the casserole and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are cooked, 30 to 45 minutes longer.

In a small bowl, whisk the corn flour with the water until smooth. Slowly whisk the mixture into the chili until incorporated.

Season the chili with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary