Crockpot Vegan Chili
As cold weather approaches, you have to have a good chili recipe up your sleeve for the days to come. This veggie-filled chili can be made in large batches and frozen for use on days when you really feel like making something hearty and warm. You can make this with more or less ingredients depending on your needs and budget. This turned out pretty well for our first ever chili-from-scratch. Way better than the canned stuff at least.
You will need:
1 large can Kidney Beans
2 small cans Pinto Beans
1/2 – 32 oz. container Mushroom Broth (add more as needed)
1 large Zucchini, chopped into small pieces
2 cups cooked and drained Quinoa (rinse before cooking!)
2 packages vegan Soyrizo (found at most health food stores)
1 large White Onion, chopped into small pieces
2 dried Cascabel Peppers (I wanted an Ancho Chile but had to settle for these. Try the Ancho for me?)
1/4 cup Chili Powder (to taste)
1 small can Tomatoes with Garlic & Onion
1 small can Diced Tomatoes
Jalapeño and Serrano Peppers, to taste (we used about 2 each, chopped small)
2 Tbsp Dried Chili Flakes
A few dashes of Cumin and Cayenne
Fine Sea Salt and Pepper to taste (retains the most flavor when added after cooking is done)
Lime juice, to taste
1/8 cup Maple Syrup and Coconut Sugar
I purchased my first crockpot a month before the ripe old age of 30, so now I know I’ve really abandoned my youth. BYE youth!! Time for good ole crockpot cookin’. Mmmm.
All you really need to do for this recipe is chop everything up (I hate big chunks, so take your time and do it right!), throw it all together in the ceramic thing, put the lid on and watch it bubble. Turn it on of course. I shouldn’t have to tell you that. 😉 I put ours on High and let it cook about an hour, then put it on Warm for the rest of the night. Most people probably make theirs the day they plan to eat it, so I’d recommend High for an hour, and then Low until it’s ready to be eaten. These things can get pretty hot, so watch yourself.
Get some Fritos to eat this with if you’re feeling a little dangerous, or chop up some kale (dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt) if you want to play it safe and get in those yummy greens. Either way you come out with a pretty good meal.
Enjoy and go play in some snow… <(“)
