Tasty Tuesday!

"Real Winner" Vegan Super Bowl Chili

     I have very few traditions in my life. I don't really celebrate the holidays, I don't go on family summer vacations to a house by the lake, and I never like discussing the topic of my arranged marriage with my closest confidant, Semmi, during our morning workout. Is that joke too inside? It's from the movie "Coming to America" if you didn't get it.

     Anyway, I have only but one real tradition, an annual Super Bowl Chili Cook Off. It's a tradition that I have kept alive for 5 or 6 years now and it's a great excuse to stuff your face while watching the Super Bowl, which I have never found that interesting.

     Unfortunately, I have yet to win a single chili cook off! I've been snubbed each year by voters with discriminating tastes. I felt that this was going to be my year. This was a new chili recipe and arguably my best. But, alas, that wasn't enough to sway voter opinion and I lost yet again. It's all politics I guess. The system is corrupt! I call Shenanigans! Sure, my chili didn't win the title of Best in Show this year but I'm pretty confident that I had the better chili. People like winners. AND THAT'S WHAT I AM, MAN. A WINNER!

     The recipe is as follows. Make it yourself. Let me know what you think. It's easy and super fast. You don't need to let the chili simmer all day nor do you need a slow cooker to make it. I hope you like it.

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 28 ounce cans of beans, drained. I used pinto, pink, and black beans.
• 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes, including the liquid
• 1 16 ounce can of tomato sauce
• 1 7 ounce can of chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped. (or substitute 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced)
• 1 tablespoon of Mexican style chili power (but any chili powder will do)
• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• Salt and Pepper to taste.

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer, then cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. You may need to reduce the heat. Stir occasionally.
2. Adjust the seasonings to your preference.

This recipe was adapted from Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas

Take care of yourself and each other...