Nif's Chili to Take the Chill off (Vegetarian or Vegan)

Submitted by Nif_H

"I'm pleased to say that this recipe won first place in the Dining On A Dollar competition! ------ A nice warm dish for a cool night, just add one a crusty roll to complete your meal. Or you can have a chili bar - offer the optional toppings so each person can make their own the way they want it. The long list of ingredients is misleading because you will have most ingredients on hand."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 24
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed
• 2 large fresh tomatoes, diced
• jalapeno pepper, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) can mushrooms, sliced, reserve liquid
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• vegetable broth, as needed

• Optional Toppings

• corn tortilla, crumbled
• grated cheese
• crumbled blue cheese
• sliced avocado
• sliced green onion
• sliced black olives
• sour cream
• lime wedge

directions

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and saute until soft and lightly carmelized. Add carrots and celery and saute for about 5 minutes.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, mushrooms, seasonings and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer over low for at least 1 hour and up to 6. Add liquid from mushrooms and broth as you check your chili, about every 15 minutes. Some people like it really thick and others want it more soup-like. You decide which you prefer!

Reviews

[Chef Dudo]

Ah yes, this was good. Spicy, yet not too hot. It makes a lot and it freezes well. I do like that it uses ingredients I always have on hand. Simmered the chili for about 3 hours and it filled the house with a homely smell. We opted for cheese, olives and sour cream as topping. <br/>Well done creating! Good luck in the contest.<br/>Made and reviewed for Dining on a $ Contest, Fall 2010.

 

[Momsthecook]

I don't make too many recipes over and over, but this is now my "go to" Chili recipe. I agree with other reviews that it is spicy yet not too hot. I use fresh tomatoes if they are in season, otherwise I use a can of diced tomatoes. I like the extra juiciness of the canned tomatoes so I sometimes use both. Thanks Nif for a great recipe!

 

[LucyS-D]

A nice and spicy chili. I did not miss the meat at all and neither will you. I would make this again.

 

[mersaydees]

Made as directed with one tiny exception and it was so wonderful in flavor that even DH liked it a lot. I thought I had smoked paprika in my pantry but didn't; instead, I used a teaspoon of smoked chipotle pepper and a teaspoon of paprika. He thinks that with the addition of chopped Anaheim chile and shrimp, this could be a Creole-style dish. I was prepared to serve with sour cream, cheese, and avocado toppings but ended up foregoing the toppings and still enjoyed it immensely. Made for Dining on a Dollar cooking contest.

 

[CJAY8248]

This one got a huge WOW!! from my family. We all kept eating and smiling while totally enjoying this chili. It was very spicy with great flavor that really stood out. I simmered it for 3 1/2 hours and it was perfect. My meat-loving roomies made chili burgers and topped them with cheese and onions. I opted for just a bowl with cheese, onions, and avocado. This is definitely the winner for us! Made for Dining On A Dollar 2010.