Spiced Metra-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-05 · Updated 2026-07-05

A hearty chili combining sweet corn and black beans with warm spices. This Latin American-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium diced yellow onion
• 1 medium diced red bell pepper
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 cups black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
• 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• for serving lime wedges

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium red bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the spices’ aroma.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed black beans, 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, 14 oz diced canned tomatoes, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over each bowl.