Hearty, filling and chock-full of black, kidney and white beans, along with peppers and spices, this Texas three bean vegan chili is a crowd pleaser. Make this oil-free chili in your Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stove.
Cook for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes, being careful to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent burning. It is done when the red lentils are cooked through and falling apart to help thicken the chili. Then, taste and add salt, as needed or more cayenne. If it is too thick, add a little more water. If it is too runny, continue simmering to thicken.
Simmer as long as you like to further incorporate the flavors.
Serve piping hot with your favorite fixin’s!
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
You can make it in the Instant Pot pressure cooker. Be sure you're using at least a 6-quart Instant Pot, because anything smaller and the recipe will not fit.
Saute the onions, garlic and bell pepper for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are softened.
Then, add all the remaining ingredients, stir well, cover, move vent to "Sealing".
Cook on Manual Pressure for 15 minutes.
When it beeps that it's done, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes and then quick release the steam by turning the vent with a long utensil. Be careful of the hot steam! Do not place your hands near the vent while it is releasing pressure.
Stir, taste and adjust seasoning, as needed.
SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS
To cook in a slow cooker, sauté your onions, garlic and bell peppers on the stove.
Then, add all the ingredients except the corn and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Add the frozen corn in the last 30 minutes to heat.
Stir, taste and adjust seasoning, as needed.
Notes
SUBSTITUTIONS:
bulgur, cracked wheat: sub more red lentils or soy curls
red lentils: the red lentils help thicken this chili. So, if you're not going to use them, then I would recommend adding a cornstarch or flour slurry to the chili to help thicken it.
soy curls: substitute more bulgur cracked wheat if you don't have the soy curls
Mexican oregano: substitute with Italian oregano
smoked paprika can be added in addition or be substituted for part of the chili powder
ALL THE SPICES: You can substitute all the spices for a box of Carroll Shelby Chili Mix.
Beans: use whatever pre-cooked beans you like. Some varieties that work really well in this recipe are: black, pinto, kidney, cannellini, white beans, brown lentils, chickpeas
For parties, I recommend keeping the chili on low or keep warm setting in a slow cooker so it stays hot while people grab seconds (and thirds and fourths).🥦 To make this compliant with the McDougall Maximum Weight Loss Plan or for 50/50 Plates:
Don't use the Butler's soy curls. Instead, double the red lentils.
Serve it with a non-starchy vegetable side, soup or salad.
Use low fat toppings like raw onion and cilantro or pico de gallo.