When in Texas EVERYTHING has some variation of meat in it. Green beans + bacon, mashed potatoes + chicken gravy, beans + ham hock. It's so FRUSTRATING! Who thought adding dead piggy's rump to beans would make them taste better anyway? Speaking of beans, authintic chili does not have meat in it unless followed by "con carne" or "with meat" in Spanish. The PROOF IS IN THE SOUP POT, I have a fantastic meatless chili recipe for yall today! Behold Texas, the wrath of Vegan Khan...
I adapted this recipe from Isa's chili and corn muffins recipe. She is the coauthor of Veganomicon. You HAVE to check out one of her cookbooks or videos for some impressive cuisine!
- 1 small onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 can beans (I used blackeye peas, they're watching you)
- 1/3 cup dry lentils
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 can diced tomatoes (or 1/2 cup water + chopped tomato)
Optional: splash in some hot sauce or soy sauce for some flavor kick!
Heat a lightly greased medium-size soup pot on medium low heat.
- Stir your onion and bell pepper into the pot for a couple minutes. You're looking for the onion to start turning gold and transparent.
- Time for spices. Toss them right into the hot pot so their oils will heat up and soak into your veggies.
- Crank the heat up to high and immediately add water, beans, and lentils. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat to medium and add your tomatoes.
- Keep the soup gently boiling for about 15 minutes then cover and turn off the heat. Your chili will begin to get thick and delicious.
I was trying to come up with what this chili tastes like at lunch today and I just couldn't place it! I just realized it tastes identical to Campbell's firehouse chili! My dad and I used to eat those little bowls every week with saltines and Club crackers. Those were the days... no more dead animals in my food though!
Let me know what crazy things people in your town put on their side dishes. What's your favorite brand of chili? How's your uncle? Comment below!:)
Let me know what crazy things people in your town put on their side dishes. What's your favorite brand of chili? How's your uncle? Comment below!:)