| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hrs | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 5g | 1g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 13g | 24g | 0.41g |
Exploring Flavors With Spicy Tepary Bean Chili
Spicy Tepary Bean Chili is a one-pot delight that takes me back to the vast landscapes of my Montana upbringing. It’s a delicious vegetarian alternative that combines the bold flavors of the Wild West and the native traditions which honor the land we inhabit. However, this chili is far from your traditional cowboy grub. It features the Tepary bean, a hardy legume that has been an integral part of Native American diets for centuries. With every spoonful, there’s a palpable hint of my past—a delectable crossroads where rustic fare meets native tradition. 
The Bounty of Beans and Other Fresh Ingredients
The Spicy Tepary Bean Chili, apart from its punchy flavors, also offers a slew of health benefits. Tepary beans, the star of this dish, are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein, perfect for maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. This chili also harnesses the antioxidant power of peppers and a whole medley of fresh, flavorful vegetables.
A chili isn’t a chili without a kick of heat. The fire-bringing ingredients are jalapeño peppers, chili powder, and ground cumin, which not only add a layer of complexity to the flavor but have their own set of health benefits as well. A splash of olive oil, a dash of salt and pepper, and fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro elevate the taste further, giving each bite an irresistible depth of flavor.
The true curveball to this recipe, however, are the apples and pears. You might be thinking, “fruit in a chili?” but these ingredients add a sweet touch that balances out the heat and complements the natural earthness of the beans. Trust me, this an unexpected twist you’re going to want to try.
A Versatile Vegetarian Delight
Even if you’re a fan of the classic bison burgers or venison steaks from my Montana roots, this vegetarian chili is a great option for a change of pace, or for those days when you’re looking for something lighter. This doesn’t mean you’re skimping on taste or heartiness, though. This Spicy Tepary Bean Chili could give any meat-based dish a run for its money in terms of flavor and satisfaction.
Why not serve this chili alongside a fresh, crunchy garden salad for an extra health boost? Or, if you’re feeling daring, pair it with a slice of my huckleberry pie for a surprisingly harmonious dessert. However you choose to enjoy it, it promises to be a favorite recipe that you’ll revisit time and again.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups dried Tepary beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 large pear, peeled and chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Method
Step One
Rinse the Tepary beans under cold water. After rinsing, place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of cool water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. After that, drain and rinse again.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, jalapeño peppers, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the peppers begin to soften.
Step Three
Add the drained beans to the pot, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, chopped apple, and pear. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Four
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir again. Cook for a few minutes to let the spices release their flavors.
Step Five
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the chili cook for about 1-2 hours, or until the beans are fully cooked and tender.
Step Six
Once the beans are cooked, add the chopped fresh basil and cilantro. Stir well, then let the chili cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Step Seven
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Spicy Tepary Bean Chili hot, topped with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
