The Holidays are quickly approaching which means the time spent exercising seems to be less and less... and the time spent cooking and eating seems to be more and more. That's okay though, that's what New Years resolutions are for... right?
I have a solution though.
Meals high in fiber and protein keep you feeling full longer. So before you go to a holiday cocktail party (or anywhere that there could be high-calorie snacks), eat a dinner like this vegetarian chili. The beans in the chili provide plenty of fiber and some protein as well. Eat this and you will not be hungry for hours! It's okay to have a few bites at a party, but eating a full meal before I go anywhere helps keep me from mindlessly snacking. And that keeps my waistline safe. For now.
Three Bean Vegetarian Chiliyield: 5 portions
1/2 cup Onion, diced
1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 of an Jalapeno, minced
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 TBS Oil, any kind
1 can Tomato Paste
1 can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup Corn (frozen, canned or fresh)
1 1/2 cups Vegetable Stock (or water)
1 TBS Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Cayenne
1. Add the tablespoon of oil and the first four ingredients. Saute the vegetables until tender and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
2. Leaving the flame on high, add the tomato paste. Using a spatula, move the tomato paste around vigorously to avoid sticking. Cook the tomato paste around 2 minutes and remove from the heat. (This is caramelizing the tomato paste, you want that, oh yes you do!)
3. Add the three kinds of beans, the stock, and seasonings. Return to the stove top using medium heat and let simmer for at least an hour until it is the consistency you prefer. (I prefer for most of the liquid to be reduced, but if you want a 'soup'ier chili then let simmer only 45 minutes.)
4. I like to let my chili sit in the pot and cool down for an hour or two. The longer it sits together the better the flavors will taste together. You can easily reheat the chili on the stove top or microwave.
Topping Ideas
Sour Cream, Fresh Onions, Cilantro, Limes, Avocado, Salsa, Red Pepper Flakes
I love this chili. It's perfect for this chilly season and leaves me feel very full and satisfied, yet I know I didn't eat unhealthy.I love to bring this chili to work also. All I need is some chili in a container to microwave, and a small container filled with sour cream, cheese, cilantro and onions to top it with. Simple! (And it will make your coworkers jealous... trust me!)
19 comments:
Great looking dish. I'll give it a try but without the cream cos it's expensive here. Should be delicious on its own. Thanks.
Before or after the holidays, my waistline definitely needs more recipes like this. Looks delicious!
Oh this sounds great! I'm always looking for new soup/chili recipes!
I love, love, love veggie chili and this looks like a really great version. You are so right about eating before you go to a party! It's incredibly;y easy to just eat, and eat, and eat.
mmmm I love veggie chilli! John always wants to add chicken into it though!! I'd be happy with just the beans :)
Fabulous photos! I love chili too, and ith a combo of beans, no meat required!
Delicious. I love loading my chicli ith different beans and vegetables. I also love that it can be made ahead.
What a great looking chili! Nothing like a home-made pot of goodness (and it's cheap to make too!) to beat the overindulgence of the season to come!
Oh I hear you about the holiday season it can be such a wreck on one's diet. This is a wonderful healthy and hearty chili especially since beans are so good for you.
I love veggie chili - very hearty, but still healthy. Thanks for sharing!
That looks tasty & healthy :) yum
I absolutely love veg chili! My favorite way to eat it is served over spaghetti squash :-)
Oh man, yummy!
That looks great.
I love it! Big pot meals like chili save so much money and help me to eat much better at work. A dollop of no fat Greek yogurt on top helps save some precious calories to be consumed later on :)
Love chili! It's one of my fave clean the pantry/freezer dishes that can easily be made on a weeknight. I make one with 2 cans of beans and beer for flavor - check it out on my site if you have a chance: http://highlowfooddrink.blogspot.com/2009/10/cooking-with-beer-vegetarian-chili.html
Chili is so easy to make and you can do so much with it! Good photos!
I did that last week (ate heartily & healthy before a social) and was so surprised that I could actual turn down what I would normally not be able to live without. Great tip.
It has been 5 degrees here in Boulder for the past few days. Last night my lovely bf made chili and it was the PERFECT dinner to warm us up. What a timely recipe!
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