Vegetable Chili from Mexico

Restaurateurs Mary Sue and Susan were traveling in Mexico to find contemporary Mexican recipes for their restaurant, and this was one of their finds. They featured it on an episode of the Cooking show, "Savor the Southwest" which aired several years ago. It's easy to make, delicious and authentic Mexican. A cooking note: it's best made with either red or pink beans. As for chilies, if ancho is not available, other chilies cans be substitutes.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 medium  white onions, diced
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (14 ounce) cans  red beans, drained
• 1  quart water or 1  quart  vegetable stock
• 2  chilies, ancho preferred
• 2  parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 2  medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 2  celery ribs, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1  medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1  medium  crookneck yellow squash, cut into 1/2 inch chunks

• ancho chile salsa

• 4  tablespoons dried ancho chile powder
• 1  cup  orange juice
• 1  tablespoon lime juice
•  salt and pepper
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Ancho Chile Salsa (make ahead):
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well and let sit at least 30 minutes before serving. It will keep refrigerated for a few days.
3. Red Bean Chili:
4. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
5. Cook onions with salt and pepper until golden, about 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until aroma is released.
7. Add beans and water or stock to the pot, along with ancho chili powder, parsnips, and carrots.
8. Turn heat up to medium-high and bring to a low boil for 10 minutes.
9. Reduce heat to medium, add zucchini and squash, and simmer until all the vegetables are soft, about 15 minutes longer.
10. Taste chili and season with salt and pepper as necessary.
11. Ladle into bowls and serve hot topped with a spoonful of Ancho Chile Salsa.