Try this Meatless Chili Recipe!

Not sure where you are located but here in southern Ontario we had a little snow this morning and the school buses are now cancelled. If your planning on keeping the kids home here's a heart healthy chili recipe.

Contrary to what many believe, good chili doesn't require meat. The key to great chili is knowing how to harness the fiery flavor of a wide range of available chile peppers to make the dish exciting yet palatable. ("Chili" commonly refers to the dish made with "chile" peppers.) Red New Mexican chile peppers are traditionally tied in strings called ristras or are available as flakes and powder, and chipotles are ripe (red) jalapeños that have been dried and smoked. Experiment with different amounts until you find a level of heat intensity that you're comfortable with. Be aware that capsaicin, the active component in chile peppers that gives them their heat, is concentrated in the white tissue attached to the seeds. If you're using whole chiles, you may want to remove that white tissue if you don't want your chili too hot.

Food as Medicine
Some studies indicate that capsaicin, a compound in chili peppers, may enhance the metabolism of fat. Red chili peppers also have been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Here it is and enjoy!

Ingredients

7 1/2 cups cooked beans, like pintos, anasazi, adzuki or kidney (roughly four 15-ounce cans or 1 pound dried beans, cooked) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 large onions, diced 1 dried or canned chipotle pepper 1 tablespoon mild red New Mexican chile powder, or to taste 1 tablespoon dried whole oregano 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1 large can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained 5 cloves garlic, mashed Salt and pepper, to taste Garnishes: Chopped raw onion Chopped tomato Shredded lettuce Sour Cream Cheese

Instructions

1. Drain beans in a colander. 2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan. Add the onions and sauté over medium heat until they are soft and golden. 3. Crush the chipotle pepper if using dried, or mince if using canned. 4. Add the chipotle pepper, red chile powder, oregano, cumin and allspice to the onions. Cook for 2 minutes. 5. Add the tomatoes and beans. Simmer for 45 minutes, adding liquid if the mixture gets too dry. 6. Add salt and pepper to taste, and more chile if you want a hotter dish. 7. Garnish with chopped raw onion, chopped tomato and shredded lettuce. (Cheese & sour cream optional). Have a Healthy and Successful Day!