Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of hearty vegetarian dishes, this 5 Bean Chilli recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen. Packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of kidney, black, pinto, navy, and cannellini beans, it’s a filling and nutritious meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for several hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a rich and robust chili that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day.
The key to making this 5 Bean Chilli extra tasty is the combination of spices and seasonings. A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a touch of brown sugar balances out the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
So, how long does this 5 Bean Chilli take in a slow cooker? It typically takes around 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This long cooking time allows the beans to soften and absorb the flavors of the broth, resulting in a thick and hearty chili that is perfect for topping with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve it with warm cornbread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a satisfying meatless meal or just want to switch up your usual chili recipe, this 5 Bean Chilli is a winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite.
Preparing 5 Bean Chilli
Making 5 Bean Chilli in a slow cooker is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal. This recipe combines five different types of beans with flavorful spices to create a satisfying and filling dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by rinsing and draining all the canned beans, then set them aside.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add the rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chili is cooked, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Serve the 5 Bean Chilli hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.
This 5 Bean Chilli is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. It can be enjoyed on its own, served over rice, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. The slow cooker method ensures that all the flavors meld together for a truly satisfying and comforting dish. Enjoy!
Choosing the Ingredients
When making 5 Bean Chilli in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right ingredients to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are some key components to consider:
1. Beans
The star of the recipe, beans bring heartiness and texture to the chilli. Choose a variety of beans like kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas. Canned beans are convenient, but you can also use dried beans that have been soaked overnight.
2. Vegetables
To add flavor and nutrients, include a mix of vegetables. Common choices include onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Chop them finely or leave them in larger chunks for added texture.
3. Tomatoes
A can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce forms the base of the chilli and gives it a rich, tangy taste. You can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to remove the skins and seeds before adding them to the slow cooker.
4. Spices
Spices are essential to create a satisfying chili flavor. Use a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper to add depth and heat. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
| Ingredients: | Quantity: |
|---|---|
| Beans | 1 can each (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas) |
| Vegetables | 1 cup each (onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery) |
| Tomatoes | 1 can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce |
| Spices | 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper |
By selecting the right combination of ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a tasty 5 Bean Chilli in your slow cooker. Experiment with the proportions and flavors to make it your own!
Chopping and Prepping the Vegetables
Before you can start cooking your delicious 5 bean chilli in the slow cooker, you’ll need to chop and prep your vegetables. By taking the time to properly prep your vegetables, you’ll ensure that they cook evenly and add a burst of flavor to your dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
To begin, gather all of the vegetables you’ll need for the chilli. You’ll need:
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Wash and Chop the Vegetables
Start by washing all of your vegetables under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or bacteria that might be on the surface. Once they are washed, pat them dry with a clean towel.
Next, take your onions and peel off the outer skin. Cut off the root end, then slice the onion in half from top to bottom. Lay each half flat on the cutting board and make horizontal cuts, followed by vertical cuts, to dice the onion into small pieces. Transfer the diced onion to a bowl and set aside.
For the bell peppers, remove the stem and seeds by cutting off the top and bottom of the pepper. Then, make a vertical cut down one side of the pepper to open it up. Flatten the pepper and cut it into small dice. Add the diced peppers to the bowl with the onions.
Peel the carrots and trim off the ends. Cut the carrots into small dice and add them to the bowl with the other vegetables.
For the celery, trim off the ends and cut it into small dice as well. Add the diced celery to the bowl.
Finally, peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the rest of the vegetables.
Once all of your vegetables are chopped and prepped, you’re ready to start cooking your 5 bean chilli in the slow cooker!
Seasoning and Spicing Up
When it comes to making a 5 Bean Chilli in a slow cooker, the seasoning and spices you choose can make all the difference in terms of flavour. Here are some suggestions to help you season and spice up your dish:
1. Chili Powder:
A staple in any chili recipe, chili powder is made from dried and ground chili peppers. It adds a spicy kick to your dish. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste.
2. Cumin:
Cumin is another essential spice in chili recipes. Its earthy and nutty flavor complements the beans and gives the dish a warm, smoky taste. Use around 1 tablespoon, or adjust to your preference.
3. Paprika:
Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful red color to your chili. It comes in both sweet and smoked varieties. Use around 1-2 teaspoons to enhance the flavors in your dish.
4. Garlic and Onion Powder:
These powders add depth and savory flavors to your chili. Use around 1-2 teaspoons of each to enhance the overall taste.
5. Salt and Pepper:
Season your chili with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with 1-2 teaspoons of salt and adjust as needed.
6. Optional Spices:
If you want to add a bit more depth and complexity to your chili, consider adding some optional spices such as oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika. Use them sparingly as they can overpower the other flavors.
Remember, seasoning and spices are subjective, so feel free to experiment and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Taste the chili as it cooks and make any necessary additions along the way. Enjoy the process of creating a delicious and flavorful 5 Bean Chilli in your slow cooker!
Cooking 5 Bean Chilli in Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is an excellent tool for making hearty and delicious meals with minimal effort. One dish that is perfect for slow cooking is 5 bean chilli. This vegetarian dish is packed with protein and vibrant flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
To make 5 bean chilli in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried black beans
- 1 cup of dried kidney beans
- 1 cup of dried pinto beans
- 1 cup of dried chickpeas
- 1 cup of dried white beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons of chilli powder
- 2 tablespoons of cumin
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
To begin, rinse and soak the dried beans overnight. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans again. Place the soaked beans in the slow cooker along with the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the vegetable broth to the slow cooker and give it another stir. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The longer cooking time on low will result in more tender beans and a richer flavor.
After the cooking time is up, give the chilli a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve the 5 bean chilli hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, grated cheese, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas.
Tips for Making 5 Bean Chilli in Slow Cooker:
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or less chilli powder according to your taste.
- If you prefer a thicker chilli, you can blend a portion of the cooked beans and vegetables or add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.
- This recipe yields a large batch of chilli, perfect for freezing or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
- For a smokier flavor, you can add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or some liquid smoke.
Using a slow cooker to make 5 bean chilli is a convenient and hands-off method that allows you to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and discover the deliciousness of this vegetarian dish!
Slow Cooking on Low Heat
Slow cooking on low heat is a fantastic way to develop deep flavors and tenderize tough cuts of meat. It allows the ingredients to simmer and meld together over an extended period of time, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. When using a slow cooker, set to the low heat setting, it’s important to allow enough time for the flavors to develop.
For a 5 bean chili, it’s recommended to cook it on low heat for at least 6-8 hours. This extended cooking time allows the beans to become tender and the flavors to fully develop. Slow cooking also allows the spices to infuse into the dish, creating a delicious and well-balanced flavor profile.
One of the benefits of slow cooking on low heat is that it requires minimal effort. Once you’ve prepared the ingredients and added them to the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it. This makes it a convenient option for busy individuals or those who want a hands-off cooking experience.
Another advantage of slow cooking on low heat is that it helps to retain moisture in the dish. The slow, steady heat prevents the ingredients from drying out, resulting in a moist and tender final product. This is especially important when cooking tougher cuts of meat, as the extended cooking time helps to break down the connective tissues and make them more tender.
Overall, slow cooking on low heat is a great method for creating flavorful and tender dishes. Whether you’re making a 5 bean chili or a hearty stew, the extended cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to become tender. So, next time you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low heat and let the magic happen!
Serving and Enjoying
Once the 5 bean chilli is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy this hearty and nutritious dish. Here are a few tips and ideas on how to make the most of your 5 bean chilli:
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chilli hot, straight from the slow cooker.
- Pair it with steamed rice or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Top it with some shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or sour cream for added flavour and creaminess.
- Garnish it with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.
- For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chilli flakes.
Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! The 5 bean chilli tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy the leftovers:
- Reheat the chilli on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
- Use the leftovers as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
- Puree the leftover chilli and use it as a base for a delicious bean soup or stew.
- Freeze the leftovers in individual portions for future meals.
Whether you’re serving the 5 bean chilli straight from the slow cooker or enjoying the leftovers, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm on a chilly day.
Questions and answers
What is 5 Bean Chilli?
5 Bean Chilli is a delicious vegetarian dish made with five different types of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and chickpeas. It is usually prepared with vegetables, spices, and a tomato-based sauce.
How long does 5 Bean Chilli take to cook?
When cooked in a slow cooker, 5 Bean Chilli usually takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 4 to 6 hours on high heat. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the desired texture of the beans.
What are the ingredients needed for 5 Bean Chilli?
The ingredients needed for 5 Bean Chilli include five types of beans (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and chickpeas), vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and garlic, spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Can I use canned beans for 5 Bean Chilli?
Yes, you can use canned beans for 5 Bean Chilli. Canned beans are convenient and save a lot of prep time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker to remove any excess salt and liquid.
Can I add meat to 5 Bean Chilli?
Yes, you can add meat to 5 Bean Chilli if you prefer a non-vegetarian version. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken are commonly used in meat-based chili recipes. Simply brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
