Black Bean Corn Chili Lime (Printer View)

Hearty black bean and corn dish bursting with bold spices and tangy lime crema finish.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

→ Beans & Corn

06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
08 - 1.5 cups frozen or canned corn, drained
09 - 1 cup vegetable broth

→ Spices

10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
15 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Lime Crema

16 - 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
17 - Zest of 1 lime
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
19 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnishes

20 - Chopped fresh cilantro
21 - Sliced avocado
22 - Sliced green onions

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and chopped jalapeño. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables become fragrant and tender.
03 - Add drained black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, corn, and vegetable broth to the pot.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover pot, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - While chili simmers, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime zest, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
07 - Taste chili and adjust seasoning as needed for desired flavor balance.
08 - Ladle hot chili into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of lime crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and green onions as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The lime crema is that unexpected touch that makes people ask for the recipe immediately.
  • Vegetarian but so hearty and spiced that nobody misses meat.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans—that starchy water will make your chili thick and pasty instead of silky.
  • The lime crema actually gets better when you make it ten minutes before serving; the flavors marry together.
03 -
  • If you're cooking for mixed heat preferences, prep extra jalapeños on the side so people can add their own kick instead of guessing how spicy to make it for everyone.
  • The lime crema separates slightly after a few hours—just give it a quick stir before serving if you're making it ahead.
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