Smoky Black Bean Chili

This quick and easy black bean chili recipe is ready to eat in about an hour. It's a tasty fall dinner option with the flavors of smoked bacon and chipotle.

Prep: 15 minutes - Cook: 41 minutes - Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1            pound applewood smoked bacon, chopped
• 1            medium white onion, chopped
• 3            garlic cloves, minced
• 2            teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2   teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• 3            cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 can coarsely mashed
• 1            container (32 ounces) chicken stock
• 1            jar (16 ounces) mild salsa
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper
•                Sour cream, sliced red onion, chopped avocado and/or chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. In medium saucepot, cook bacon over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally; with slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 1/4 cup drippings from saucepot.

2. In same saucepot with drippings, cook onion 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, cumin and chili powder; cook 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring frequently. Stir in beans, stock, salsa, salt, pepper and bacon; heat to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes about 10 cups.

3. Serve chili topped with sour cream, red onion, avocado and/or cilantro, if desired.

Approximate nutritional values per serving (1 1/4 cups ): 414 Calories, 22g Fat, 7g Saturated Fat, 35mg Cholesterol, 2079mg Sodium, 36g Carbohydrates, 10g Fiber, 6g Sugars, 0g Added Sugars, 25g Protein