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Chipotle Lime Black Bean Bowls Recipe

3.9 from 73 reviews

These Chipotle Lime Black Bean Bowls combine smoky, spicy black beans simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, topped with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and nutritious meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Black Beans:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium red onion, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 stalks cilantro, stems finely minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp dry thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dry oregano
  • 2 chipotle peppers, finely minced
  • 2, 15oz cans of black beans, mostly drained
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar, optional
  • Zest and juice of 1/2 a lime
  • Kosher salt, to taste

For the Avocado Cilantro Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
  • 1/2 ripe medium avocado
  • 2 tsp vinegar
  • Zest and juice of 1/2 a lime
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • Handful chives
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, stems removed
  • 1/2 tsp dry oregano
  • 1/4 cup water (plus more if needed)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced red onion with a pinch of salt and cook until softened. Stir in diced red and green bell peppers and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until slightly tender.
  2. Add Garlic, Cilantro Stems, and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and finely minced cilantro stems until fragrant. Then add smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried thyme, and dried oregano, mixing well to evenly coat the vegetables and release the spices’ aromas.
  3. Add Beans and Broth: Add finely minced chipotle peppers, drained black beans, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer the Bean Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and develop flavors.
  5. Mash Some Beans: Using the back of a spatula or spoon, lightly mash about one-third of the beans in the skillet to thicken the stew. Stir everything again to mix thoroughly.
  6. Finish the Beans: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the maple syrup (or brown sugar if using), lime zest, and lime juice. Taste and adjust salt as needed for perfect seasoning.
  7. Prepare the Avocado Cilantro Sauce: In a blender, combine unsweetened plant-based yogurt, ripe avocado, vinegar, lime zest and juice, grated garlic, fresh chives, cilantro leaves, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and water. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Serve: Spoon the warm black bean mixture over cooked rice. Drizzle or dollop with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a fresh and tangy finish. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add more chipotle peppers or include some chipotle adobo sauce.
  • Use any plant-based protein-rich yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Serve over your choice of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Adjust the consistency of the avocado cilantro sauce by adding more water or yogurt based on personal preference.

Keywords: chipotle lime black bean bowls, black bean recipe, vegan black beans, avocado cilantro sauce, easy vegan bowls, smoky black beans, plant-based meals