Fiery Winter Red Bean Chili
On a chilly winter day, this Fiery Winter Red Bean Chili serves as the perfect remedy to warm you from the inside out. Bursting with flavor, our recipe combines wholesome red beans with a medley of fresh vegetables and spices, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato base. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of heat and heartiness, making this dish a must-have for cozy afternoons or casual get-togethers. Pair it with warm pita bread or fresh salad for a satisfying meal that not only warms you up but also nourishes your body.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1-2 (chopped)
tomatoes
2-3 (chopped)
turmeric
1 (teaspoon)
garam masala powder
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
whole cumin seeds
1 (teaspoon)
crushed red chili
1 (teaspoon)
green chilies
2 (small, chopped)
oil
1/4 (cup)
red beans
15 (ounces, drained and washed)
garlic paste
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
ginger paste
1/2 (teaspoon)
cilantro
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2
Add chopped onions to the pan and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3
Next, stir in garlic paste and ginger paste, allowing them to fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
4
Add turmeric, garam masala powder, salt, and crushed red chili. Cook while stirring until the spices release their fragrance, around 40 seconds.
5
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes and green chilies, cooking until the tomatoes break down and soften, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust spice levels, adding more green chilies and salt if desired.
6
Add the drained red beans and mix well. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water and cover the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, checking and stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
7
After simmering, gently crush some of the beans with a wooden spoon to create a thicker texture. Do not fully mash them; leave some whole for bite.
8
If the mixture is too thick, add additional water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
9
Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor and color. Serve warm, ideally with pita bread, fresh salad, or feta cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Winter Red Bean Chili?
Fiery Winter Red Bean Chili is a hearty, spicy vegetarian dish made with red beans, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, perfect for warming up during cold weather.
How many servings does this chili recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this chili is entirely vegetarian as it uses red beans as the primary protein and contains no meat products.
What are the primary ingredients for this chili?
The main ingredients include red beans, chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic paste, ginger paste, and various spices like turmeric and garam masala.
How long should I cook the onions?
You should cook the chopped onions for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until they become softened and translucent.
What spices give this chili its fiery flavor?
The heat comes from a combination of crushed red chili and two small chopped green chilies.
Do I need to drain the red beans?
Yes, the 15-ounce container of red beans should be drained and washed before being added to the saucepan.
How do I achieve a thicker consistency for the chili?
To thicken the chili, gently crush some of the beans with a wooden spoon after simmering, while leaving others whole for texture.
What should I serve with Fiery Winter Red Bean Chili?
It is ideally served warm with pita bread, a fresh salad, or crumbled feta cheese.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
After adding the beans and water, cover the pan and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The process begins by heating 1/4 cup of oil and sautéing whole cumin seeds for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant.
Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer green chilies and crushed red chili according to your preference.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 chopped fresh tomatoes, which are cooked until they break down into a sauce.
Is garlic paste or fresh garlic used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 teaspoons of garlic paste and 0.5 teaspoon of ginger paste.
What is the purpose of adding cilantro?
Freshly chopped cilantro is sprinkled on top before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
How much water is added during the simmering stage?
Initially, 1/4 cup of water is added, but you can add more if the mixture becomes too thick for your preference.
What category of meal does this dish fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How often should I stir the chili while it simmers?
You should check and stir the chili every 5 minutes to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
What is the cooking time for the tomatoes?
The chopped tomatoes and green chilies should be cooked for 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and break down.
How much turmeric is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
Does this recipe include garam masala?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder added along with the other dry spices.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, the description notes it as a nourishing meal made with wholesome beans and fresh vegetables.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe starts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but suggests tasting and adjusting at the end of the cooking process.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, its category includes both Lunch and Snacks, making it a versatile dish.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of oil; any standard vegetable or neutral cooking oil will work well.
Are the red beans mashed completely?
No, you should only crush some of the beans to create texture; avoid fully mashing them so some remain whole for 'bite'.
Is ginger paste necessary?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste is used to provide an aromatic and flavor-rich base alongside the garlic.
How long do I fry the spices?
The dry spices (turmeric, garam masala, salt, and red chili) should be stirred and cooked for about 40 seconds.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely; as a hearty bean chili, it stores well and can be a convenient option for cozy, pre-planned meals.