Vegan Three Bean Chili

This hearty three-bean chili is about to become your new weeknight hero – packed with protein, bursting with bold flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes.

The secret to this game-changing chili? A perfect blend of three different beans and aromatic spices that create layers of deep, satisfying flavor. Plus, it’s completely plant-based without sacrificing an ounce of that classic chili satisfaction.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a delicious Meatless Monday option, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red onion, small dice
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup dried small brown lentils, rinsed

Steps

1. Combine all spices in a small bowl and set aside.
2. In a large Dutch oven, sauté onions, jalapeños, and bell peppers over medium heat for 7-9 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and spice mixture, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Add remaining ingredients except liquid smoke, vinegar, and masa harina. Simmer 25 minutes.
6. Finish with liquid smoke, vinegar, and masa harina. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Smart Swaps

• Replace beans with black soybeans to reduce carbs (11g vs 24g per serving)
• Use cauliflower rice instead of serving over regular rice
• Swap masa harina for almond flour to reduce carbs

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use half the beans and add diced mushrooms for bulk (reduces carbs by 13g per serving)
• Add extra fiber with 1 cup riced cauliflower (GI impact reduction of 25%)
• Serve with avocado slices to slow glucose absorption
• Portion size: stick to 1 cup servings (30g net carbs)

Pro Tips

• Toast spices in dry pan before adding for deeper flavor
• Use dried beans soaked overnight for better texture
• Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding