Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Chili!

Tonight- it's CHILI! here's my Vegetarian (also can be made vegan or with meat, although it's filling enough without it) Chili!

I usually make a double batch of this (and all my soups) then put half into single serve tupperwares in the freezer, which is fantastic for lunches.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium to large onion, chopped
2 large red peppers, seeded and chopped
1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 jalepeno pepper, seeded and chopped
6 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
1 cup pale beer (or veggie broth)
1-2 cups vegetable broth
1 32 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
4 cups beans, either soaked and cooked (see link below) or from a can (rinsed)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup vegetarian refried beans (optional, used for thickening)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)


****If you are using dried beans, you need to plan ahead! soak and cook them the day before! :)

In a large pot over medium/ medium high heat, cook the onions, red peppers, green pepper, jalepeno pepper and garlic until they are soft (the onions will become translucent and the peppers will shrink down a little) about 5-7 minutes

Add the beer (or broth) to deglaze the pan. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring up to a simmer

Add the beans, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything in until it is combined and return to a simmer (this may mean turning the heat up!)

Once it comes to a simmer, add the refried beans and combine thoroughly. *I usually also end up adding about 1 cup more of vegetable broth or water to thin out after added the beans and add more "volume" to the chili*

Let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to get it nice and hot all the way through, and of course you can leave it on for longer, just turn down the heat to medium low or low just to keep it warm

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over pasta or rice. Also, you can top it with fresh onions, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream etc.

Here is the link to using dried beans:
http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/PDF/FDNS-NE-1102.pdf
If you've never used them before, it's super easy! and cheaper and tastier than canned!

why hello there

Hello All! Welcome to my "food/art blog"... I hope you find these recipes and ideas useful, and delicious!

DO NOT be afraid to try to cook these if you aren't that experienced, my aim is to make it easy and not intimidating!

If you are like many college students, like my roommates (who have inspired my food knowledge sharing), you probably live off of ramen, pb&j, dining hall food, and pizza... or the 3 things your mom taught you how to "suffer" through... This is for you guys. Try these things! if you fuck up, it's just one more lesson learned! if you succeed, well.. Bon Appetit!

Please let me know what you think of the recipes, if you cook them- how did it go for you? what was unclear or made you feel unsure? I'm an Art Education major, so i am always looking for ways to improve my communication skills! (thus the teacher-like questions) haha

Also, I will try to include the links to the websites that have inspired me- what i do is try a recipe, then make my own adjustments to it once i know how to make the basic dish. Try mine, or the recipe I was inspired by... then once you are comfortable- make your own version!