Smoky Black Bean Stew
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or Quick Spray of Avocado
- 1/2 onion any
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeno deseeded, chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 or 3 adobo chili chopped fine, seeds out if spicy issue, or use 1 chili and some of the sauce in can.
- 4 oz green chilis diced
- 8 oz tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 can black beans use can liquid or equivalent water
- 1 lime juiced
Serving Options – Optional, non vegan or sub
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 scallions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup fritos
- 1 lime slices
- 1 avocado slices
Instructions
Prep the aromatics
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low to medium heat. Add a splash of oil (e.g. olive, avocado, or other plant-based cooking oil).
- Add the chopped onions. Stir occasionally and sauté until the onions are soft and begin to turn translucent / slightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. If the pan starts to dry out or the onions start browning too fast, add a small splash of water or lower the heat.
Add garlic, jalapeño, spices and peppers
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño (or other fresh chili, per original recipe), and your dry spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper) — plus any chopped adobo peppers (if using) or chili peppers.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes more, just until the garlic becomes fragrant (don’t let it brown too much).
Add main stew ingredients
- Add your black beans, the diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and enough liquid to reach your desired stew consistency. Use water, broth, or bean-cooking liquid. Stir to combine.
- Raise heat a little if needed to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil).
Simmer to meld flavors & thicken stew
- Once simmering, reduce heat so the stew maintains a gentle, steady simmer. Let simmer uncovered (or partially covered) for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets flavors develop and allows some liquid to evaporate so the stew thickens.If you want a thicker, creamier texture — use a potato masher or back of a spoon (or immersion blender for partial blending) to mash a portion (e.g. 1/3 to 1/2) of the beans in the pot. Stir thoroughly to incorporate that creaminess.
Finish and season
- Taste the stew. Adjust seasoning: add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or a pinch of chili powder as needed.Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice (or more, to taste) — brightens the flavors.
Serve & garnish (optional)
- Serve hot, with optional garnishes or accompaniments: e.g. chopped scallions, sliced avocado, diced onion/pepper, a dollop of non-dairy yogurt or vegan sour cream, or on top of rice/quinoa or with toasted bread.
Nutrition
Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 13gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 249mgPotassium: 691mgFiber: 16gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1191IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 5mg
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