| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 6 hours (Slow Cooker) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 3g | 1g | 66g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 15g | 14g | 0.8g |
There’s a certain grace in the dance of spices and flavors in a well-harmonized dish – which in this instance, is our Slow Cooker Ricebeans Chili. Although I am rooted in French elegance and Creole richness when it comes to desserts, my culinary world has always had room to embrace different cuisines and their unique expressions. This vegetable-based chili recipe, radiating with vibrant colors and textures, is a testament to that culinary embrace.
Affection for Diversity
Drawing inspiration from diverse culinary universes, Slow Cooker Ricebeans Chili is similar to many traditional Southwestern dishes. It’s a slow-simmered, hearty combination of black beans and rice, infused with a spice symphony and enhanced by sweet undertones from a choice of fruit. Invigorating and filling, it’s a meal on its own but for a complete dining experience, it pairs well with a light, citrusy salad or warm, buttered cornbread.
The Health Factor
This dish not only appeals to the palate but also to health-conscious gourmets. The black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, supporting digestive health, while the range of vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Sweet corn adds a dose of antioxidants, and the addition of a fruit of your choice provides a burst of natural sweetness and additional fiber. The savory chili, tomato sauce, and spices offer an array of flavors without packing in excess calories. Although cheese can be added as per preference, I love the depth that a sprinkle of fresh coriander adds, enhancing both the taste and the nutritional profile.
I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together. Each spoonful of this Ricebeans Chili will be a bit different, presenting a kaleidoscope of taste profiles. It’s a pleasurable journey, a delicious dance on the palate that I am confident you’ll truly enjoy.
Health benefits of black beans (external link)
Nutritional value of sweet corn (external link)
Health benefits of chili (external link)
What You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 cups of dry black beans
- 1 cup of uncooked rice
- 1 can of sweet corn (15 oz)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 fresh jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 large fruit (e.g. apple, mango, or peach), diced
- Grated cheese, for serving (optional, as desired)
- Chopped fresh coriander, for serving (optional, as desired)
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing 1 and 1/2 cups of dry black beans in cold water. Drain them well before placing them into the slow cooker.
Step Two
Add 1 cup of uncooked rice into the slow cooker with the beans. Stir in the can of sweet corn (along with its juice), 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 medium chopped onion. Follow it up by adding 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Step Three
Proceed to pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with its juice. Add 1/2 cup of tomato sauce into the slow cooker. If you wish to make the dish spicier, add 1 chopped fresh jalapeño.
Step Four
Begin seasoning the mixture with 1/2 cup of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure to stir all the ingredients thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dish.
Step Five
Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth into the slow cooker. Make sure that all the ingredients are submerged in the broth to ensure even cooking.
Step Six
Cook the mixture on a low setting for around 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on a high setting for 3 to 4 hours.
Step Seven
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add in a large diced fruit of your choice (like an apple, mango, or peach). This will add a sweet and refreshing contrast to the robust flavors of the chili.
Step Eight
Once the cooking time is up, give the chili a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step Nine
Serve your Slow Cooker Ricebeans Chili hot. If desired, garnish each serving with grated cheese and chopped fresh coriander.
