RECIPE: VEGETARIAN CHILI + CORNBREAD

This is my go-to meal for my family, especially on a chilly fall day! My kids gobble it up, though I think the cornbread might have something to do with it. You can really add in whatever vegetables (or meat) you have in the fridge and it'll always taste good. There's a variation of this that I LOVE if you scroll to the bottom- you cook the cornbread dough directly on top of the chili so that each bite has a layer of cornbread on it! YUM.

VEGETARIAN CHILI:

1-2 tbsp EVOO

1-2 tsp minced garlic

1 yellow onion

1 bell pepper

couple handfuls of chopped kale (optional)

soy meat crumbles / real meat

1 can green chilies

2 can diced tomatoes

1 can corn / 4 fresh ears of corn

2 can of your favorite beans (I use black beans and navy beans)

1 tbsp cumin

salt & pepper

Optional spices (leave out if you're cooking for littles): 

cayenne, chili powder, crushed red pepper, chipotle chili powder

Toppings: 

plain greek yogurt / sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, scallions

Serve with corn muffins - the Jiffy box is my fav! (1 box makes 6 muffins, and you'll need 1 egg and 1/3 cup of milk)

Heat olive oil on medium and add in garlic, chopped onion and pepper, and saute 5 min.

Add in meat crumbles and saute 5 min. You may need to add a little more olive oil at this point.

Add in all cans and spices you'd like.

Bring up to a boil then reduce to simmer for about 30 minutes.

I like to put a handful of chopped kale at the bottom of my bowl, put the hot chili on top to steam, then pile on the toppings. When cooking for my whole family, I leave all of the spices out except for cumin, salt, and pepper so it's not too spicy for my kids. I'll add crushed red pepper to my own bowl.

VARIATION:

Spread cooked chili in an 11x13" pan (as much as can fit leaving at least 1" room on top. I like to freeze the rest! Make 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix (you'll need 2 eggs and 2/3 cup of milk) and spread the dough on top of the chili. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cornbread just starts to brown. Don't overcook, or your cornbread will be dry! 

Enjoy!

-L