Heart Healthy Black Bean and Hominy Chili

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 12/17/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Black Bean and Hominy Chili
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This Heart-Healthy Black Bean & Hominy Chili is the ultimate plant-based comfort food, blending the unique, chewy texture of hominy with protein-packed black beans. Inspired by traditional Southwestern flavors, this recipe uses a blend of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to create a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day.

Whether you are managing high cholesterol or simply searching for a quick, 45-minute weeknight dinner, this hominy chili fits perfectly into a heart-healthy lifestyle. Serve it with a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt and a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the deep, smoky spices.

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
10
Calories
88

What Makes This Heart-Healthy Black Bean & Hominy Chili Healthy

This recipe provides a nutrient-dense balance of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates that support stable blood sugar levels. By utilizing low-sodium broth and fiber-rich ingredients, it delivers a satisfying meal that promotes heart health without unnecessary additives.

Key Health Highlights

  • Low Sodium (242mg): Helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels compared to traditional canned chilis.
  • Zero Saturated Fat: An excellent choice for managing high cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health.
  • High Fiber: Black beans and hominy provide 4g of fiber to support digestive health and satiety.
  • Diabetic Friendly: Contains only 14g of total carbohydrates per serving, making it easier to manage blood glucose.
  • Plant-Based Protein: Offers 3g of vegetarian protein per cup, perfect for light, healthy lunches.

FAQs About Black Bean and Hominy Chili

Hominy is comparable to corn but offers higher bioavailability of certain nutrients due to the nixtamalization process, and its high fiber content makes it great for heart health.

Yes, simply sauté the aromatics and then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours for an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Absolutely; with zero saturated fat and high-fiber black beans, this recipe is specifically designed to support those managing cholesterol levels.

More Hearty Low-Sodium Chilis

Whether you like your chili vegetarian or made with beef or turkey, we’ve got you covered with these robust recipes bursting with smoky, spicy flavor.

Fiber-Rich Vegetarian Bowls

These hearty soups are packed with flavor and veggie goodness to support digestive health.

Ingredient Spotlight: What is Hominy?

Hominy is made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution, a process called nixtamalization, which unlocks essential nutrients like niacin. This process gives hominy its signature puffy texture and slightly earthy flavor, making it a more fiber-rich and satisfying alternative to standard corn in stews and chilis.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 10 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic and sauté until onion softens, about 10 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Mix in chili powder, cumin, cayenne and oregano and stir for 2 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, broth, water and hominy. Bring chili to a boil, stirring occasionally.

  3. Step 3

    Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until flavors blend and chili thickens, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add cornmeal if desired thickness is not achieved and cook 10 minutes more. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  4. Step 4

    Serve garnished with Greek yogurt, cilantro, scallion and lime wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

88
Calories
2
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
242
mg
Sodium
14
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
4
g
Fiber
3
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: To make this in a slow cooker, follow Step 1 on the stovetop to soften the vegetables, then transfer them to your crockpot with all remaining ingredients (except garnishes). Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Instant Pot: If you prefer an Instant Pot, use the "Sauté" function for the vegetables and spices, add the liquid and beans, and use the "Chili" or "Manual" setting for 10 minutes with a natural release.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve this chili hot, topped with nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and chopped scallions. 
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This recipe is also freezer-friendly; allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the chili has thickened too much.

Pairing Suggestions:

  • Pair this chili with our Heart-Healthy Cornbread for a classic Southwestern meal. 
  • For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp Heart-Healthy Spinach Salad with a simple vinaigrette. 
  • You can also serve it over a bed of brown rice to make it even more filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer a different texture.

Low-sodium chicken broth can be used if you do not require the dish to be strictly vegetarian.

If you cannot find hominy, frozen corn or chickpeas can work as a replacement, though the texture will vary.

Use a slice of avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream to keep the recipe dairy-free or vegan.

More Recipes Like Black Bean and Hominy Chili