Pin it A hearty, comforting chili featuring nutty wheat berries, robust beans, and vegetables, all simmered together and crowned with a golden, lightly sweet cornbread topping—perfect for cozy nights.
This chili has become a family favorite during chilly evenings, warming us up with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- Wheat and Grains: 1 cup cooked wheat berries, 1/2 cup cooked pearl barley (optional for added texture)
- Beans & Legumes: 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 large onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, 1 large carrot, diced, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Liquids: 3 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste), 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cornbread Topping: 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp sugar (optional), 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk + 1 tbsp vinegar for vegan), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter), 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrot sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3:
- Add bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, wheat berries, barley (if using), kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7:
- Meanwhile, prepare the cornbread topping: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring just until combined.
- Step 8:
- After chili has simmered, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
- Step 9:
- Spoon cornbread batter evenly over the chili. Smooth gently with a spatula.
- Step 10:
- Transfer the pot to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the topping comes out clean.
- Step 11:
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Scoop to serve, ensuring each portion includes both chili and cornbread.
Pin it This recipe has brought many warm family dinners, sparking conversations around comfort food and shared memories.
Required Tools
Large, oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, egg, and dairy (butter, buttermilk). For vegan or allergy-friendly versions, use plant-based milk and butter with a flax egg. Always check labels for cross-contamination risks.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 380, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 14 g.
Pin it 
This chili is the perfect combination of hearty and healthy, ideal for sharing with loved ones on cold nights.
Recipe Q&A
- → What wheat grains are used in this dish?
Cooked wheat berries provide a nutty texture and hearty bite, and pearl barley can be optionally added for extra chewiness.
- → Can I make this without animal products?
Yes, substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter along with a flax egg in the cornbread topping.
- → How do you achieve the golden cornbread crust?
The topping combines cornmeal, whole wheat flour, and leavening agents, then bakes until golden and slightly sweet, creating a crisp contrast to the stew beneath.
- → What spices enhance the chili’s flavor?
Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne create a balanced smoky and mildly spicy aroma and taste.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the base can be made in advance and refrigerated; the topping is added and baked just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to complement the hearty flavors and add freshness.