Nava writes: When you need a heaping helping of something fast, inexpensive, and healthy, few things that fit these criteria better than a big pot of chili. Simple, hearty, and warming, this is a great choice for casual winter parties and for Superbowl Sunday. Serve with stone-ground tortilla chips, guacamole, and a big salad or cole slaw.
328-ounce cansbeans of your choice(try a combination of pinto, pink, and black beans), drained and rinsed
128-ounce candiced tomatoeswith liquid
116-ounce cantomato sauce
1-2jalapeño or other hot peppersseeded and minced, or one 8-ounce can mild or hot chopped green chiles
1tablespoongood-quality chili powder
1tablespoonunsweetened cocoa powder
2teaspoonsdried oregano
2teaspoonsground cumin
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped ripe tomatoes for garnish
Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté until the onion is golden. Add the remaining ingredients except the last three.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded.
Season with salt and pepper, and adjust the other seasonings. If time allows, let the chili stand for up to several hours before serving. Heat through as needed.The chili should be nice and thick; if it has gotten too thick, stir in a cup of water. Serve in individual bowls, garnished with tomatoes and cilantro.
Notes
Varations and optional garnishes: Add a cup or two of cooked corn kernels toward the end of cooking timeAdd a medium or large firm-cooked sweet potato, peeled and dicedAdd a diced zucchini or yellow summer squash about halfway into the cooking timeServe with grated nondairy cheddar cheese on the side for garnishing individual servingsPut out extra “hot stuff” like minced fresh chili peppers, dried hot red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for those who like their chilies extra-spicyNutrition (per serving, including oil): 236 calories, 37 calories from fat, 4.3g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 938mg sodium, 719.6mg potassium, 39.9g carbohydrates, 11.6g fiber, 5.8g sugar, 11.4g protein.Nutrition info below excludes oil. Without oil, one serving is zero points on Weight Watchers Freestyle program.Recipe from Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas. Reprinted with permission.