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Black Bean Chili Served over Jalapeño Cornbread
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • 8-inch square baking pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 jalapeños, finely diced and divided
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for the pan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and half the diced jalapeño and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add the chili powder and cumin. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the drained black beans. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly.
  • While the chili simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly oil an 8-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Stir in the remaining diced jalapeño. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
  • Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares.
  • Place a piece of warm cornbread on each plate and spoon the black bean chili generously over the top.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash a few beans against the side of the pot during the last five minutes of simmering. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three days; reheat the chili on the stove and warm the cornbread in a toaster oven to restore its crust. If you want milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Large pot, Mixing bowls, 8-inch square baking pan