This classic San Francisco Fire Department-style chili is a comforting, plant-based powerhouse. It features dry pinto beans slow-cooked to perfection in a robust blend of red chili sauce, stewed tomatoes, and savory spices. The result is a thick, hearty stew with deep earthy flavors and a gentle warmth that builds as it simmers. Perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or meal-prepping lunches, this dish requires minimal hands-on time but rewards patience with incredible depth. It’s a satisfying, budget-friendly main that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, relying on simple pantry staples to create something truly special.
Chili Beans From San Francisco Fire Departmen
Description
This classic San Francisco Fire Department-style chili is a comforting, plant-based powerhouse. It features dry pinto beans slow-cooked to perfection in a robust blend of red chili sauce, stewed tomatoes, and savory spices. The result is a thick, hearty stew with deep earthy flavors and a gentle warmth that builds as it simmers. Perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or meal-prepping lunches, this dish requires minimal hands-on time but rewards patience with incredible depth. It&# 226;ÂÂs a satisfying, budget-friendly main that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, relying on simple pantry staples to create something truly special.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse the dry pinto beans thoroughly and place them in a large pot.
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Cover the beans with cold water, ensuring they are submerged by at least two inches.
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Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 3 hours, adding more hot water as needed to keep them covered.
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While the beans simmer, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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If using ground beef, brown it in the skillet until no longer pink; if making vegan, skip this step or use a plant-based alternative.
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Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent.
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Transfer the onion mixture (and meat, if using) to the pot with the beans.
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Stir in the red chili sauce, stewed tomatoes, vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce.
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Cover and continue to simmer for another 3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened to a stew-like consistency.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 435.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.8g22%
- Saturated Fat 2.1g11%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2311.7mg97%
- Total Carbohydrate 77.6g26%
- Dietary Fiber 44.2g177%
- Sugars 9.1g
- Protein 23.2g47%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
