Hearty Vegetarian Chili...

Everywhere I go and everything I read -

the buzz word is "COLD".

The winter seems to be extra cold this year !

Time to make a big pot of Chili...

and who can resist 'warm from the oven' cornbread ?

(The best part ?? You will NEVER know it doesn't have any meat in it !)

Hearty Vegetarian Chili

1 medium to large green pepper, seeded and chopped

1 cup onion, chopped

Approximately 8-10 mushrooms, chopped coarse

2-3 cups corn

1 medium zucchini, chopped 

2-3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Few shakes of hot sauce

2 cans 15oz. each of diced tomatoes, undrained

3 cans 15.5oz. each of beans, drained and rinsed.  (I used Cannellini beans, Light Red Kidney beans and Black beans)

1 cup water

1 vegetable bouillon cube

Approximately 20 oz. of tomato sauce

1/2 cup refried beans, (homemade - recipe follows)

Optional condiments:  sour cream, shredded cheddar, onions, avocado, rice, etc.

1. In large pot add olive oil, peppers, onions, mushrooms, corn and zucchini.  Cook until soft and slightly turning brown on edges.
2. Add seasonings - garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt.  Stir together with vegetables.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, water, bouillon cube, refried beans and hot sauce.  Simmer for at least 20 minutes or more to meld flavors.
4. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar, as pictured or condiments of your choice.

Refried Beans

Fast and easy !  I try to always have these in the freezer.

1 - 16oz. can beans,  drained and rinsed.  (I use whatever beans I have on hand)

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic powder, or one clove, minced

1. Combine oil, onions and garlic in bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until onions are soft.
2. Mash beans with a fork and stir into onion mixture.
3. Dish out what you need and freeze the remainder.

Corn Bread

Amazingly delicious and so easy to make.

1 cup flour

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 tsp. salt

4 tsp. baking powder

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1/4 cup canola oil

1 egg

Optional: can also add 1+ cup of kernel corn

1. Mix all ingredients with a whisk.
2. Pour into a greased 8in. square pan.
3. Bake at 425' for 20-25 minutes.  (For muffins, bake 15-20 minutes.)

Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Corn Bread