by Amy Elysia February 14, 2023
Amy Oboussier writes, 'This Bean Chilli is a firm favourite in our house, our go-to recipe whenever we want something comforting and hearty, with as little washing up as possible. It freezes well and can be made in large batches. We’ve made this recipe on the stove, in the oven and even over the campfire, so if you don't have a slow cooker you don't have to miss out.' Watch a video of us making this recipe on our Instagram page. |
With energy prices so high we're all looking for more energy efficient ways to cook. According to uswitch slow cookers are one of the most efficient cooking appliances, using little more energy than a lightbulb. An average-sized slow cooker uses just 1.3 kWh per meal cooked. Although they're traditionally associated with long, slow cooking of meat dishes, they're also perfect for cooking our pulses* from dry.
We always cook fava beans and other pulses in the slow cooker, preferably on a sunny day when the solar panels are producing some or all of our energy. We don’t have to check up on them or worry about leaving the gas hob unattended and the even heat cooks the beans exceptionally well.
This is the simplest possible version of this recipe - you throw in all your ingredients and walk away. However, if I’ve got the time, I brown the onion, carrot and celery in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This gives a little more depth of flavour and a pleasing texture. To reduce cooking time by an hour or so, you can also soak the pulses overnight, but this is not essential.
(*Some beans in the Phaseolus family - kidney beans, black beans, haricot and similar - contain lectins that can make you unwell if the beans aren't properly boiled. If you're cooking these beans do make sure your slow cooker has a 10 minute high temperature phase, or soak and boil your beans before adding to the slow cooker.)
Serves 4
Ingredients
|
Method
|
July 22, 2025
This simple sweet, sour and herby bean dish uses white coco beans to make the most of abundant seasonal courgettes in a perfect dish for summer. It's delicious served hot or cold.
July 22, 2025
Think homemade bagels are complicated? Think again! Traditionally boiled before baking for extra chewiness, these bagels are a satisfying baking project. Barley malt extract, as used in New York style bagels, adds a distinct depth; but if unavailable, you can substitute molasses or honey.
July 11, 2025
Isabella Palmer's salad of beetroot, barley and peas is a real show-stopper: textured, zippy and vibrant. The beetroot and the black barley are both full of antioxidant anthocyanins, giving them such rich colour. This salad keeps well in the fridge for batch lunches (but if you’re making ahead, add the crispy topping just before serving).
Get in touch at hello@hodmedods.co.uk or 01986 467567
Things sometimes go wrong but we'll always do our best to put it right. Please contact us to let us know if there's any problem with an order.
For further details please see our Terms of Service, Returns, Refunds and Exchanges Policy and Privacy Policy.
Sign up for our latest news, recipes, offers & more…
By signing up, you agree to receive marketing emails. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.
Registered in England and Wales as Hodmedod Ltd, The Studios, London Road, Brampton, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 8DQ, UK; company number 08151811.