Chipotle Black Bean Stew
A warming, protein-rich vegan stew with smoky chipotle, tender black beans, and fresh coriander. Quick to prepare, low in saturated fat, and full of bold flavor, this stew is perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Equipment
- 1 large heavy-based pan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- Pinch of sea salt and ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 470 g 2.25 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 800 g 14 oz canned plum tomatoes
- 75 ml ⅓ cup vegetable stock
- Juice of 1 lime
- 5 g ⅓ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Chop the onion finely so it cooks evenly, and crush the garlic cloves to release their full aroma. Measure out your spices, chipotle paste, and tomato puree. Drain and rinse the canned black beans thoroughly to remove excess liquid and improve texture. Open the canned plum tomatoes and have them ready for easy addition.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large, heavy-based pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to warm gently. You want the oil to shimmer slightly, but not smoke. A heavy-based pan ensures even cooking and prevents the onions and garlic from burning while releasing their natural sweetness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic to the warmed oil. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon, ensuring the garlic does not stick or brown too quickly. Cook gently for 3–4 minutes, until the onions are translucent and tender. This slow cooking develops the base flavor for your stew and releases a fragrant aroma that signals the start of a rich, flavorful dish.
- Season the Base: Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and ground black pepper. Add ½ teaspoon each of ground cumin, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir continuously to coat the onions and garlic evenly with the spices. The warmth of the pan will toast the spices lightly, enhancing their flavor. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of chipotle paste and 2 tablespoons of tomato puree. Stir until all the ingredients form a thick, aromatic paste that clings to the onions.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Carefully pour in the 800 g of canned plum tomatoes. Use your spoon to break the tomatoes slightly, creating a chunky, stew-like consistency. Add the drained and rinsed black beans and the 75 ml of vegetable stock. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. The beans absorb the flavors of the tomato and spices as the stew simmers, creating a rich, hearty texture.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the stew to cook for 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During this time, the flavors meld together, the tomatoes soften, and the sauce thickens naturally. Taste occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add Freshness at the End: Once the stew has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove the pan from heat. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the stew to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle in 5 g of chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) and stir gently to distribute the freshness evenly. The lime juice and coriander add a vibrant, zesty note that balances the smoky heat of the chipotle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls while still warm. For extra creaminess, optionally top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, or a vegan alternative. Serve immediately with warm bread, rice, or enjoy it on its own as a nourishing, protein-packed meal. The stew keeps well for leftovers and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Notes
- Use a large, heavy-based pan to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly to remove excess liquid and improve texture.
- Adjust chipotle paste to taste; start with less if you prefer a milder heat.
- For a thicker stew, lightly mash some beans with the back of a spoon while cooking.
- Fresh lime juice and chopped coriander added at the end brighten the flavors beautifully.
- This stew is great for meal prep and can be easily doubled for batch cooking.
