Spicy Tofu Vegetarian Chili

Submitted by TasteTester

"This is a recipe I got from a friend who replaced the beef with tofu for our friends who are vegetarian, and also those who are trying to vary their diets and not have so many meals with meat."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 198.44 g pasta, such as wagon wheel or 198.44 g other small shell pasta, uncooked
• 354.88 ml finely chopped onions
• 236.59 ml finely chopped green pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 14.79 ml chili powder
• 4.92 ml ground cumin
• 2.46 ml garlic powder
• 2.46 ml dry crushed red pepper
• 793.78 g crushed tomatoes in puree, undrained
• 226.79 g firm tofu, drained and crumbled
• 2 (850.48 g) can kidney beans, drained
• 118.29 ml shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain and set aside.
2. Coat a dutch oven with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper; saute until tender. Add garlic and saute for one more minute.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
4. Stir in tomatoes and tofu. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. Add beans and cook 10 additional minutes or until bean mixture is thoroughly heated.
5. To serve, place 1/2 cup pasta into each of 6 individual bowls, and spoon 1 cup chili over each serving. Top servings evenly with cheese.

Reviews

[MrsMM]

Hello Teammate! I am rating up, as I think this is more 3.5 stars- but, I am rating 4 because it's a GREAT way to use tofu. We eat tofu a couple times a month, so it was great to have a new variation. Additionally, for relatively few ingredients, this sure makes a lot of food, and good for cooking somewhat of a budget. This dish is VERY simple to do, and it's hearty and satisfying. However, I found that it was overpowered by the tomato. I almost stopped halfway through pouring the can in, but didn't want to alter the recipe at all. Next time I make it- I will maybe do half the amount of crushed tomatoes. I just loved how the tofu soaks up the flavors. Thanks!