Vegetarian Chili

I’m just going to be honest here and say that while this chili is very, very good, it would be even better with meat in it.  I’m going to post it as is though because this is what I’m eating these days and there are vegetarians (Hi Miriam!) who read this blog who might like it.  Plus it is low in fat and high in fiber so I suppose it would be good diet food too.

But it really is delicious.  Rich, who dislikes both chili and the word “vegetarian” tried it and declared it to be “good”.  I was expecting, “blech” so I’m going to take that as high praise.

 Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno, chopped finely
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 3-4 medium carrots, grated
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 cans Ro-Tel with liquid
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can navy or Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 2 cans red beans in chili sauce with liquid
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 packet chili seasoning 
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• salt to taste

 1)  In a medium pan, saute onion and jalapeno until the onion is very soft.

2)  Add onion and jalapeno along with everything else into a slow-cooker.

3)  Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

4)  If you’re not vegan, serve with shredded cheese and/or a dollop of sour cream.

Note:  I know you think it’s weird to add in the carrot and zucchini and they aren’t really necessary BUT most chili recipes call for a bit of sugar and the carrots provide that.  Plus both of those veggies are really good for you.  They’ll look scary when you add them in, but after cooking all day you’ll barely be able to see them but you’ll feel really good about yourself because you added extra nutrition and fiber to the dish.

Nutrition facts provided by Calorie Count based on 10 servings

Comments

[Ardee Eichelmann]

Mindy, this recipe looks really, really good and I am a chili fiend! I will try this out when I can. Yummo!!! Thanks for sharing!

Ardee-ann

[Ardee Eichelmann]

I am dying of embarrassment...I misspelled your name on the comment above. I can only blame it on being a tired doofus. I sincerely apologize. Blush, blush!

Ardee-ann