VEGETARIAN BEAN CHILI

= Makes: 8 cups

= Serving size: 2 cups for a main course, 1 cup for a starter

= Active time: 15 minutes

= Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil

2 cups peeled and chopped onions

2 medium-size red bell peppers, diced

6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon dried ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

2 cups crushed tomatoes

1 cup reserved liquid from cooking beans

6 cups cooked beans

2 cups cooked kale or spinach

Salt and pepper

Chopped cilantro, sour cream, grated cheese, and chopped green onion, for garnish

STEP 1: Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute.

STEP 2: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne and stir for about 2 minutes.

STEP 3: Mix in the crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of reserved liquid from the beans. Cook for 10 minutes.

STEP 4: Add the beans, bring to a boil, stir, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, until the flavors blend and the chili thickens. Add the kale or spinach, stir, and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.

STEP 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish and serve!

VARIATIONS:

• Add 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon.

• Add 1 cup of beer.

GOES WELL WITH:

• Brown rice

• Sliced apples

• Sliced tomatoes

• Yogurt

• Avocado

Per serving: Calories 600, Calories from Fat 160, Total Fat 18g (28% DV), Saturated Fat 3g (15% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 1440mg (60% DV), Carbohydrates 94g (31% DV), Dietary Fiber 28g (112% DV), Sugars 9g, Added Sugars: 0g, Protein 26g, Vitamin A 480%, Vitamin C 230%, Calcium 35%, Iron 60%.