Sauk River Review: summer chili

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

summer chili

photographer: FiveRings

a pot of traditional chili con carne (with meat)

summer vegetarian chili - a fast food recipe

ingredients

a tablespoon or two of olive oil (alternatively, canola oil)

1 large sweet onion, chopped
3-5 cloves garlic, sliced and chopped

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can of pinto beans, preferably low sodium and organic
1 15 oz can of black beans, prefereably low sodium and organic
1 12 oz package of soy chorizo

chopped mixed greens to taste - e.g. kale, collard greens, turnip greens, swiss chard, and spinach

seasonings

1/2 to 1 tablespoon dried basil (fresh, of course, is preferable)

courtesy of wikipedia

photographer: russell lee

preparing plates of tortillas and beans

to sell to pecan shellers,

san antonio, texas, 1939

procedure

sauté your onion, garlic, and basil in the olive oil in a large pot, and over a low to medium heat for a few minutes or until softened, but not browned. add the rest of your ingredients, stirring in between, and while adding water to taste, enough to cover everything, about two 28 oz canfuls.

heat to boiling, covered, on a medium to high flame, stirring frequently throughout, then lower to a simmer for a few minutes to 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how deeply you desire a greens flavor infused in your stew.

enjoy! serve over brown rice with a grated sharp cheese melted instantly on top or sprinkle with a tasty nutritional brewer's yeast. then garnish with a few kalamata olives per bowl. you can also add a dolup of yogurt (in lieu of sour cream or the aforementioned cheese and yeast toppings).

nice with a glass of red wine for the grown-ups, and accompanied with nachos or a crusty bread or sandwich to dip.

discussion

this is a great fast food recipe not only for initial prep time, but refrigeration during the week, and reheating with a microwave in a ready-to-serve dish.

NOTE: the vegie chorizo is already sodium heavy, so watch out with the canned beans you select (i.e. sodium content) - and do not add any salt to this recipe.