Description
Hey friends, Beau here from Feastical! You know those nights when you just want a big, cozy bowl of something that hugs you from the inside out? This Hearty Chunky Vegetable and Bean Chili is that hug. It’s rich, smoky, and full of texture — the kind of meal that satisfies even the most dedicated meat-lovers.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
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1 each red, green, and yellow bell pepper, diced
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1 zucchini, diced
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1 yellow squash, diced
Spices & Seasoning
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2 tsp ground cumin
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2 tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce & Body
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1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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1 tbsp quick-cooking polenta (for thickening)
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2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Toast the Spices:
Push the onions to one side and add the jalapeño, cumin, and chili powder directly to the oil. Toast for 1 minute until fragrant — this deepens the flavor beautifully. -
Cook the Veggies:
Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash. Stir to coat in the spice mix and cook for 5–7 minutes until they start to soften. -
Simmer Everything:
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices) and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the polenta, stirring well to thicken the mixture slightly. -
Add the Beans:
Stir in the beans, reduce the heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and the flavors will meld. -
Taste & Adjust:
Taste for seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If you love spice, a few dashes of hot sauce will do the trick!
Notes
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Don’t skip toasting the spices. It’s what gives your chili that deep, rich flavor.
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Polenta is the secret weapon! It thickens the chili naturally without any grainy texture.
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Even better the next day: The flavors deepen overnight, making this perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g