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Black Bean Bat Chili in bowl with fall decor

Black Bean Bat Chili

Matteo
This hearty Black Bean Bat Chili is a cozy fall favorite with a Halloween twist! Packed with black beans, peppers, spices, and topped with playful bat-shaped tortilla chips, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon
  • baking sheet for tortilla chips
  • Bat-shaped cookie cutter
  • knife and cutting board for vegetables

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 gluten-free corn tortillas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for chips)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (for chips)

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  • Add chopped bell peppers and sauté 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast spices.
  • Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut tortillas into bat shapes using a cookie cutter. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake 8–10 minutes until crisp.
  • Ladle chili into bowls, top with desired garnishes, and serve with bat chips for a festive finish.

Notes

Simmer longer (up to 45 minutes) for deeper flavor. Make it meaty with turkey or beef if desired. For extra fun, add smoky chipotle or a touch of maple syrup. Pairs perfectly with avocado, cilantro, or dairy-free sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.1gSodium: 540mgPotassium: 890mgFiber: 12gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1600IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4.5mg
Keyword bat tortilla chips, black bean chili, gluten-free chili, halloween chili
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