Chili Your Way: Poblano & Serrano Veggie Chili


Create your own perfect bowl of chili with this customizable recipe. This veggie-packed chili combines the smoky richness of poblano peppers with the fresh heat of serrano peppers. Whether you prefer more heat or a milder flavor, you can swap in any of your favorite chili varieties like jalapeños, Fresnos, habaneros, or caribe peppers. With a delicious base of hearty beans, sweet corn, and a medley of spices, this chili is perfect for any spice level.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Poblano peppers (or any combination of poblano, jalapeño, serrano, Fresno, habanero, or Caribe peppers)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 c. corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lime, juiced (optional for added freshness)

Instructions:

  1. Roast poblano (and other peppers) over flame or under broiler until skins blacken. For milder chili, use only poblano; for more heat, add serrano, jalapeño, or habanero peppers.
  2. Cool, peel, remove seeds, and chop. Chop Fresno/caribe peppers while still fresh.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
  5. Stir in chopped roasted peppers, cumin, and paprika. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to mix.
  7. Simmer 15-20 minutes until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  8. Taste, adjust heat with more peppers or extra poblano.
  9. Squeeze lime juice before serving. Adjust seasoning.
  10. Serve hot, top with cilantro, sour cream, cheese, or tortilla chips.

Pro-tip:

  • Flavor variations: Experiment with different combinations of peppers to find your perfect chili. A mix of poblano and caribe peppers will give your chili a smoky-sweet heat, while habanero and jalapeño will bring the fire.
  • Mild or Wild: Whether you like your chili mild or with a fiery kick, this recipe’s flexibility ensures that every bowl is suited to your spice tolerance.