Easy Three Bean Vegetarian Chili

This recipe was originally posted by Zenith. She is no longer active at Recipezaar, but I was and am a huge fan of her recipes, many of which are healthy and low-fat. I've made a close version of this before and it is good. Here are Zenith's original comments: "A quick and easy vegetarian chili. I don't remember where I got this recipe, but I've made it several times, sometimes trying different kinds of beans."

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  medium green pepper, chopped
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced or crushed
• 1 (15 1/2ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 1/2ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 1/2ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (garbanzo beans)
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1  tablespoon chili powder
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  cup water
• 1 -2  tablespoon cider vinegar (optional)

Directions

1. Spray a large nonstick pot with cooking spray.
2. (Or use oil for sauteing.) Add green pepper, onion and garlic.
3. Saute over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until soft but not brown.
4. Add remaining ingredients.
5. Cover and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot in soup bowls.