This easy Slow Cooker Mediterranean Vegetable and Black Bean Chilli is a delicious, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables, black beans, and flavorful spices, it’s a nutritious, comforting dish. Serve with rice or corn chips and enjoy the flexibility of using simple ingredients for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Recipe Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) olive oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped
• 2 zucchini (courgettes), coarsely chopped
• ½ teaspoon mild chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½–1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 red capsicum (pepper), seeds and membranes discarded, coarsely chopped
• 1 large eggplant (aubergine), coarsely chopped
• 2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins diced tomatoes
• 2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 corn cobs or 260 g (9¼ oz/1¾ cups) frozen kernels, thawed
• Steamed rice, to serve (optional)

To Serve (Optional):

• Coarsely chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves
• Sliced or mashed avocado
• Sour cream
• Good-quality corn chips (instead of rice)

How To Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Vegetable And Black Bean Chilli

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the onion, garlic, and zucchini for 5 minutes. Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, and paprika, and fry for 1 more minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Cook the Capsicum and Eggplant: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same pan and cook the capsicum and eggplant for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Transfer to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes, black beans, and oregano. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook on low for 3 hours.
3. Add Corn: If using fresh corn cobs, slice off the kernels and add to the slow cooker. If using frozen corn, add it directly. Cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Serve: Serve the chilli with steamed rice or corn chips and top with optional toppings such as coriander, avocado, and sour cream. Any leftovers can be frozen for later use.

Recipe Tips

• Sauté the onion and garlic first to bring out their full flavor before adding the other ingredients. This step helps create a rich base for the chilli.
• Don’t skip the spices! The chilli powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key to making the dish flavorful. Adjust the amount of paprika to suit your preferred spice level.
• Season well with salt and pepper after adding the tomatoes and beans. Proper seasoning will enhance the dish.
• Use fresh corn if possible for the best texture and sweetness, but frozen corn works perfectly as a substitute.
• Let the chilli cook on low for 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This slow cooking makes the dish extra rich and delicious.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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