Black Bean & Porter Chili (Vegan): Smoky, Hearty, and Beer-Backed

— A Plant-Based Chili That Goes Big on Flavor

This Black Bean & Porter Chili brings deep, roasted character from a dark beer and layers of umami from fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked spices, and earthy black beans.

It’s 100% vegan, but nothing about it is light — it’s rich, filling, and built for cozy nights, game days, or any time you want a meatless meal that still pairs perfectly with a pint.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup porter or stout (smooth and roasty, not overly bitter)
• ½ cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari for umami depth
• Optional: pinch of cocoa powder for richness

Toppings (All Vegan)

• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Pickled onions or jalapeños
• Vegan sour cream or cashew cream
• Crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Cook 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Chili

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook another 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2. Add black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, beer, broth, and optional soy sauce or cocoa powder.
3. Stir well, bring to a low boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

1. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and a cold beer on the side.

Flavor Variations

• Add roasted sweet potato or butternut squash for a hearty, sweet balance
• Stir in corn or green chiles for texture and pop
• For spice, add chipotle in adobo or cayenne
• Use lentils or quinoa for extra protein and body

Beer Pairing

In the Pot

• Porter, dry stout, or schwarzbier — smooth and roasted
• Avoid overly bitter or high-ABV beers (like double IPAs)

In Your Glass

• Same beer used in the chili
• Try a coffee porter or chocolate stout for dessert-like contrast
• Amber ale or Belgian dubbel for a maltier sidekick

Explore Our Best Beer Chili Recipes 🌶️

Bold, rich, and slow-simmered with brews of all kinds — these chili recipes take comfort food up a notch. Whether you prefer beefy, vegan, spicy, or seasonal, there’s a beer chili here with your name on it.

🍺 Beer Chili Recipes (Main Hub) – The full collection of beer-infused chili favorites.

🐄 Classic & Meaty Favorites

🥩 Classic Beef & Ale Chili – A robust, no-nonsense chili with deep ale flavor.
🌶️ Chipotle Stout Chili – Smoky heat meets bold dark beer in every bite.
🍺 Turkey & Pale Ale Chili – Lean, flavorful, and light on its feet.
🌭 Beer Bratwurst Chili – A Midwest tailgate in chili form.
🔥 Spicy IPA Chili – Hoppy bitterness and chili heat in perfect balance.
🧀 Beer Cheese Chili – Rich, cheesy, and built to satisfy.

🍗 White, Poultry & Lighter Styles

🥣 Beer & White Bean Chicken Chili – Creamy and comforting with a hint of hops.
🌽 Southwest Wheat Beer Chili – Zesty with corn, beans, and bright wheat beer notes.
🎃 Pumpkin Beer Chili – A fall-inspired blend of spice, squash, and seasonal brew.
🐢 Crockpot Beer Chili – Slow-cooked, deep flavor with minimal effort.

🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Options

🌿 Vegetarian Lager Chili – Veggie-loaded and full of clean, crisp lager flavor.
🫘 Lager Chili with Black Beans – Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
🌱 Black Bean & Porter Chili (Vegan) – Rich, smoky, and plant-based with deep porter notes.
🍫 Chocolate & Stout Chili – Vegan-friendly and built on bold, complex flavor with cocoa and stout.

Final Thoughts

Black Bean & Porter Chili proves that vegan chili doesn’t mean flavor compromise. It’s smoky, filling, and balanced by the depth of a dark beer — perfect for when you want something bold, plant-based, and beer-friendly in every bite.

No meat, no dairy, no problem — just big chili energy in a beer-soaked bowl. 🫘🔥🍺

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
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