Procrastination Recipe: Veggie Chili

Last night was the Golden Globes. As such, I had a meal to prepare for the girls. I had been craving chili for a while and this recipe has never failed me. It's got great flavor, is incredibly filling, and can be adjusted to your food preferences. If you eat meat then by all means add it and depending upon what veggies you like, add them. As for toppings, you can have it plain or dress it up. We went fully loaded. 

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons veggie oil

1 large white onion

1 chopped bell pepper (any color)

3 small jalapeno peppers (seeds removed and diced)

1 medium zucchini 

4 small tomatoes, diced and seeds removed

1 small package baby bella mushrooms, diced

1 can corn kernels, drained

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can cannelini beans, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1 Tablespoon cumin

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

2, 8oz. cans tomato sauce

1 small can tomato paste

1 cup veggie stock

1 microwave containers brown rice

Optional:

Sour cream

Shredded cheese

Avocado

Fritos chips

Directions:

In a large pot over medium heat sautee diced onion in veggie oil. This should take about five minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing browns.

Meanwhile, dice your veggies (be careful while removing the seeds of the jalapenos as that's where the heat is) and add them one at a time to the onion so they each get a chance to soften. You may need to add another tablespoon or two of veggie oil as you go along.

Once veggies have all softened add your veggie broth and spices. Stir well so spices can saturate all the veggies and then add tomato paste and sauce, corn kernels, rice (microwave as per package directions), beans then lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes until thoroughly heated. 

This would be perfect for any sort of party as each person can customize their own bowl. In fact, one of the girls made it halfway through her bowl and went back up to add more toppings. 

And just so you know, I did do writing this weekend. I'm back on track and plugging away at this adult series. I don't typically think of myself as being funny but as I read the last page of what I had written before turning off my computer I giggled like a maniac and turned to Bug and said, This might actually be funny. Who knew? Whether having a conversation with your cat is a good thing...

Happy Eating!
~Stephanie