Hearty Vegan Bean Chili

This Vegan Bean Chili is the ultimate comforting one-pot meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from a variety of beans, this chili will keep you full and energized for hours. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a simple, hearty dish with minimal prep. The best part? It’s made in your slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it! Here’s how to make this delicious, vegan chili:

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1 can red beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 can tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1-2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onions:
   In a medium pan, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step helps to bring out the flavor of the onions.

2. Prepare the Beans:
   Open all the cans of beans and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium. Drain and set aside.

3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
   Add the sautéed onions, all the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into your slow cooker. Stir in the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook:
   Set your slow cooker to high for 4-5 hours or low for 6 hours. The chili is ready when it’s thickened and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not necessary.

5. Serve & Enjoy:
   Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy as is, or top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a full meal!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Chili:

• Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse: This chili is loaded with a variety of beans, making it rich in protein and fiber.

• Minimal Prep: Simply sauté the onions and add everything to the slow cooker—set it and forget it!

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of chili powder, garlic, onion powder, and tomatoes creates a rich and savory flavor profile.

• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for a quick and easy meal later on.

Pro Tips:

• Adjust the Spice: Feel free to increase or decrease the chili powder and cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like your chili.

• Customize: Add in any extra veggies you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, for more flavor and texture.

• Top it Off: Serve with a dollop of vegan sour cream, avocado, or fresh herbs to add creaminess and freshness.

This Hearty Vegan Bean Chili is a simple, filling meal that’s perfect for meal prep, cozy nights, or feeding a crowd. It’s full of flavor, fiber, and protein, so you can feel good about every bite! Enjoy!