Beans, Beans the Magical Fruit

March17th

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Posted in: Vegetarian

Wow Kidney Bean, who knew you were packin so much good stuff? I have never been big into beans but as I try to slowly fade meat out of my diet, beans are looking better and better. Kidney beans alone contain over 80 nutrients. Yes, beans beans are the magical fruit the more you eat the more you toot healthy fiber you get!!

Last night I wanted something really hearty for dinner and when trying not to eat meat, that can be a challenge. A lot of vegetarians become ‘cheeseatarians‘ and eat tons of mac n’ cheese and other cheesy dinners. I’m trying to get healthy here, not just skip meat! Vegetarian Chili is the answer!!Chili means two things to me. There is the chili that is beefy and thick and you eat it with fritos and cheese (aka a delicious frito pie). And there is chili that you can still see the veggies and is thick by the tomatoes. That’s the chili I set out to make and I sure did succeed.The chili was just what I wanted. Hearty, filling, healthy, and definitely satisfying.

Easy-Beany Vegetarian Chili

1 tsp cumin

1 1/4 cup onion, medium dice
1/4 cup red bell peppers, medium dice
1/4 cup celery, medium dice
1 green onion, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup sweet corn1 can kidney beans, drained

1/2 can black beans, drained

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne (if you do not like spicy foods omit the cayenne)

pinch red pepper flakes

1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro

1. Toast cumin in a dry saute pan until aromatic, about 10 – 20 seconds. Set aside.

2. Add oil to pan and saute onions, red bell peppers, celery, and green onion until soft. Season with salt and pepper. Add can of diced tomato and lower heat to medium. Add corn. Let simmer and thicken 5 minutes. (if chili starts to get dry lower the temperature and add veg stock/water)
3. Add beans to the pot. Add toasted cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne, red pepper flakes.

4. Stir in cilantro before serving to keep its bright green color.

Garnish Ideas:
Sliced Avocado, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Chives