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.
I love serving this chili on cold evenings when my family gathers around the table craving warm and satisfying meals.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- 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.
- Cook Peppers:
- Add bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add Spices:
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Main Ingredients:
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, wheat berries, barley (if using), kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare 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.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- After chili has simmered, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
- Apply Topping:
- Spoon cornbread batter evenly over the chili. Smooth gently with a spatula.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Scoop to serve, ensuring each portion includes both chili and cornbread.
Pin It This recipe has become a favorite in our family, especially during chilly weekends when everyone wants something warm and tasty.
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 and a flax egg. Always check labels for cross-contamination if cooking for those with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 380 calories, 9 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, 14 g protein
Pin It 
Enjoy this hearty chili with your favorite toppings for a comforting meal any night of the week.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives this dish its unique texture?
The addition of cooked wheat berries and optional pearl barley adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, enhancing the dish's heartiness.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes. Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter in the cornbread topping and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- → How do I achieve the perfect cornbread topping?
Whisk wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine gently. Spread evenly over the chili before baking until golden and set.
- → What spices enhance the flavor profile?
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper create a smoky, mildly spicy depth.
- → Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes. Cooked ground beef or turkey can be stirred into the chili base before adding the cornbread topping.