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 go-to for chilly evenings since it combines wholesome grains and spices with a comforting cornbread topping that my family loves.
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 Sharing this meal often sparks warm family conversations and creates lasting memories around our dinner table.
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: Calories 380, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 14 g.
Pin it 
This chili pairs beautifully with a side of sliced avocado or a fresh dollop of sour cream for the perfect final touch.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, by swapping dairy buttermilk for plant-based milk with vinegar and using a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, the dish is fully vegan.
- → What grains are included for texture?
Cooked wheat berries and optional pearl barley add a chewy, nutty texture to the dish.
- → How long should the chili simmer before baking?
Simmer the chili for about 30 minutes to meld flavors before adding the cornbread topping and baking.
- → Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, cooked ground beef or turkey can be added for a non-vegetarian version.
- → What spices highlight the flavors?
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper combine to create a robust and warm flavor profile.
- → How do I know when the cornbread topping is done?
Bake until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, usually 25–30 minutes.