Peanut Butter Chili

I received an email from the www.allrecipes.com website today and this was one of their featured new recipes. SUBMITTED BY: EuroGirl6 "Who would have thought beans and peanut butter could go together in harmony? They do, in this satisfying vegetarian chili."

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 bowls of chili

Ingredients

• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  bay leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon  italian seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1⁄3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1  dash salt, to taste
• 1  dash pepper, to taste
• 1  cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
• 2  cups tortilla chips (optional)

Directions

1. Place the diced tomatoes, water, garlic, and bay leaves into a saucepan, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and season with the cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. After 15 minutes, pour in the black beans and kidney beans; return to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter until dissolved, then remove and discard the bay leaves, and season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with a sprinkle of Cheddar cheese, tortilla chips and smile!