Veggie Chili

I absolutely love chili. Nothing beats a warming bowl of it on a cold night. Although the weather has been slowly getting warmer, I had a craving for it last week. I googled for a recipe, and this is what I came up with. I tweaked the original recipe a lot, adding and subbing with what I had on hand and adapting it for a stove top recipe instead of a slow-cooker version.

Veggie Chili
adapted from Robin Miller's recipe

Ingredients:
1 TBSP olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small/medium white onion, chopped
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (about 1 1/2 cups)
about 2 cups vegetable broth
1 15 oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 15 oz. can cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 bell pepper, any color, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1 fresh chili, minced
2 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
1/3 cup uncooked couscous
salt + pepper
shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and plain greek yogurt for topping

Saute garlic and onion in oil for a few minutes. Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, bell pepper, chili pepper, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper and cumin and allow to simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. (edit: remember, chili should seem a little "soupy" or liquidy, but remember that the couscous will soak up some of the liquid later) Add beans and corn and simmer for another 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and add couscous. Re-cover the pot with the lid and let stand for about 10 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed some of the chili liquid and is soft. Scoop into bowls and top with cheese, yogurt, cilantro, or anything else you like.

I found that I did not need the full 4 cups of broth that the original recipe calls for, so if you are going to try this, use your judgement. I also adjusted the spices to taste at the end.

The real reason why I want to post this recipe is because of the couscous. It is so good in this chili! I never thought to add couscous to a chili recipe, and I think it makes a perfect substitute for meat. Even my husband, who likes his meat, loved this.

I never realized it would be so hard to write up a recipe! I am not a professional cook by any means, so remember to use your judgement if you try out this recipe.

Happy Monday everyone :)