Black-Eyed Pea Chili (Printable)

Hearty vegetarian chili with black-eyed peas, vegetables, and warming spices ready in one hour.

# Components:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas or 1 (15 oz) can, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup cooked kidney beans or 0.5 (15 oz) can, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 medium carrot, diced
08 - 1 celery stalk, diced
09 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
10 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned

→ Liquids and Fats

11 - 2 cups vegetable broth
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices and Seasonings

14 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
15 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
16 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
18 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

20 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - Sour cream or plant-based yogurt
22 - Sliced jalapeños
23 - Shredded cheese or vegan cheese

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to coat the vegetables.
04 - Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and corn. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle chili into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Earthy Flavor: The black-eyed peas offer a unique, rustic taste compared to standard kidney beans.
  • Packed with Nutrients: A vegetable-heavy base of carrots, celery, and bell peppers ensures every bite is healthy.
  • Warming and Spiced: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder create a rich, aromatic broth.
  • Quick and Easy: A complete, one-pot meal that goes from prep to table in just one hour.
02 -
  • To maximize the flavor profile, sauté the spices briefly before adding liquids to bloom their aromatic oils.
  • Check the labels on your vegetable broth and canned goods to ensure they are gluten-free and soy-free if you have specific dietary sensitivities.
  • If using toppings like cheese or sour cream, be aware that these may contain dairy allergens.
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