Vegetarian "Pantry" Chili

Only 3 main ingredients, the rest are seasonings. Found this recipe on [e-mail], and I thought it was easy and pretty tasty so I would share. I also tweeked a bit. This is an excellent recipe for Phase 1, or for that matter for anyone needing a quick dish.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained I mash about half the can of beans, it makes the chili thicker)
• 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, do not drain (your choice of mild, med or hot)
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes with onion garlic and basil (do not drain)
• 3  tablespoons  dried onion flakes or 3  tablespoons onion powder, to taste
• 2  teaspoons chili powder, to taste
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste (optional)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, to taste (optional)
• 1 -2  cup  V8 vegetable juice or 1 -2  cup water, or both (optional)

Directions

1. Combine first 10 ingredients in a pot.
2. Add V8 or water to make the chili as thin as you like.
3. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for aprox 30 minutes.
4. This makes about 6 one cup servings.
5. May be served with grated cheese or other condiments of choice on top.