Meatless Chili

I figured that after posting all those yummy (not so good for you) treats, I should post something actually nutritional and good for you. It was so cold outside today (high of 17 degrees) that a nice warm bowl of chili would hit the spot perfectly.




Keep in mind as you see the pictures and quantity of ingredients, that my house is comprised of anywhere from 7 to 11 people at a time.  The recipe at the end is cut back from what you see, to equal about 9 cups of chili.

Colorful Bell Peppers: High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B6, and Dietary Fiber, and low in calories :)

Beans: High in Isoflavones, Antioxidants, and Fiber.  Beans are also LOW on the Glycemic Index; so great for maintaining good blood sugar levels.

With spices like these, you won't need added salt :)

The Recipe:

1 1/2 t. extra virgin olive oil
1 C chopped onion (for my friend Bryon--leave the onion out and sub. in more peppers)
1 1/2  C mixed colored bell peppers (the more colorful the better for you)
3 Cloves of garlic, minced

2 T.  chili powder
1 1/2 t cumin
1/8 t oregano
3/4 t paprika

1 package Yves Veggie Crumbles
1  15 oz can of each Kidney, Pinto, and Black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1/4 C tomato paste
1 small can diced green chilis
1 1/2 C water

Heat the oil in a large pot, saute the onions, peppers, and garlic until tender, add seasonings and veggie crumbles. Stir and saute about a minute more.  Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the flavors are blended (about 30 minutes)

A better choice than regular saltines :)

Notes:
For my meat-eater friends...if you absolutely can't stand the thought of going without the "meat" you can substitute ground turkey as a "healthier" option than ground beef.  But I bet if you try this recipe as it is, you won't even miss the meat ;)

Another great thing about this recipe, you can add more or less of whatever beans you like, I tend to use a mixture because of the different colors and flavors they add to the chili, but you can use whatever you like.  You can also kick up the spice with more chili powder or even some cayenne, if you want.  This recipe is pretty flexible, I've even added a little carrot, sweet potato, and corn at different times. (I like sneaking in a little more veggies when I can) :)